Distortion product otoacoustic emission fine-structure: An insight into the ear asymmetries

Abstract

Context: Use of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) as a measure of hearing sensitivity is common in clinical practice. However, use of a more informative DPOAE fine-structure has been limited due to non-reliability of DPOAE fine-structure. Aim: The current study was aimed at testing the interaural differences between the DPOAE fine-structure across three age groups. Settings and Design: Acoustically treated room with a calibrated dual channel audiometer (Orbiter 922) along with TDH-39 headphones and B-71 bone vibrator. GSI Tympstar was used for tympanometry and acoustic reflex measurements while 'ILO V6' OAE analyzer was used for recording of DPOAE and DPOAE fine-structure. Material and Methods : A total of 98 subjects with normal peripheral hearing sensitivity were tested for DPOAE fine-structure. The three age groups consisted of young (8-18 years; n = 50), middle aged (30-40 years; n = 30), and elderly (50-60 years; n = 18). DPOAE fine-structure was studied at 8 points per octave on a total of 25 frequencies from 1000 to 8000 Hz. Statistical Analysis Used: Repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the amplitudes at frequencies between 2000 and 3000 Hz. This was evident irrespective of the age groups. There was also a decrease in DPOAE amplitude in elderly group. Conclusions: Interaural asymmetry can be attributed as a reason to these findings and it occurred mostly in the speech perception frequencies. Reduced amplitude of DPAOE in the elderly group can be attributed to presbycusis.