Diagnostic Potential of Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions in Severe or Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abstract

To evaluate the potential of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in differential diagnosis of hearing loss, these were routinely measured in 232 ears of severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss. Normally recordable DPOAEs were found in 16 ears (8 patients) and the results were confirmed through retests after intervals; positive responses of transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) were additionally tested. The findings suggest that nerve deafness and hair cell deafness may be partly distinguishable.