Hearing threshold estimation using concurrent measurement of distortion product otoacoustic emissions and auditory steady-state responses

Abstract

Both distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) provide frequency-specific assessment of hearing. However, each method suffers from some restrictions. Hearing losses above 50 dB HL are not quantifiable using DPOAEs and their performance at frequencies below 1 kHz is limited, but their recording time is short. In contrast, ASSRs are a time-consuming method but have the ability to determine hearing thresholds in a wider range of frequencies and hearing losses. Thus, recording DPOAEs and ASSRs simultaneously at their adequate frequencies and levels could decrease the overall test time considerably. The goal of the present study was to develop a parameter-setting and test-protocol to measure DPOAEs and ASSRs binaurally and simultaneously at multiple frequencies. Ten normal-hearing and 23 hearing-impaired subjects participated in the study. The interaction of both responses when stimulated simultaneously at frequencies between 0.25 and 6 kHz was examined. Two limiting factors need to be kept. Frequency distance between ASSR carrier frequency f(c) and DPOAE primary tone f(2) needs to be at least 1.5 octaves, and DPOAEs may not be measured if the ASSR stimulus level is 70 dB SPL or above. There was a significant correlation between pure-tone and DPOAE/ASSR-thresholds in sensorineural hearing loss ears.

Concurrent measures of contralateral suppression of transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions and of auditory steady-state responses

“…This study demonstrated that concurrent measurements are feasible in a relatively short duration of 11 min. Several studies have described methods for concurrently measuring DPOAEs and ASSRs (Purcell et al, 2003;Oswald et al, 2006;Rosner et al, 2011;Wittekindt et al, 2014). However, to the authors' knowledge, the present study is the first to report concurrent measurements of TEOAEs and of ASSRs for the purpose of examining contralateral suppression.…”

Drug‐induced ototoxicity: Mechanisms, Pharmacogenetics, and protective strategies

“…In conventional devices using clicks as stimulus, the measurement is restricted to 500–4,000 Hz but using chirp recordings are possible up to 6,000 Hz. Further high frequency solutions concerning otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem responses, and auditory steady‐state responses are in development (e.g., combining distortion product otoacoustic emission recordings with auditory steady‐state response measurements reaching frequencies up to 6,000 Hz) …”

Hearing impairment and language delay in infants: Diagnostics and genetics

“…One way to estimate the threshold of cochlear hearing impairment up to a hearing loss of about 50 dB HL is the Janssen “scissor” paradigm [ 12 ]. This special DPOAE examination is currently used sporadically, sometimes in combination with the auditory steady state response (ASSR) [ 39 ], [ 40 ]. The detection of OAEs in hearing impairment can distinguish between inner ear hearing impairment and auditory synaptopathy/neuropathy; an OAE measurement should therefore always be made if more severe hearing impairment is suspected [ 29 ].…”