Equivalent threshold sound pressure levels for click and CE-Chirp® stimuli delivered by the SnapPROBE™

Abstract

Objective To estimate the equivalent threshold sound pressure levels (ETSPLs) for nine stimuli used today and in the future for universal newborn hearing screening and diagnostics delivered by the Interacoustics SnapPROBE™. Design The Click and eight variants of the CE-Chirp® were included to establish ETSPLs when delivered by the SnapPROBE™. The short duration stimuli were presented at a 20/s repetition rate for about 1–2 s following the international standards for establishing ETSPLs. Study sample 50 ears from a total of 27 normal hearing young adult subjects (female/male = 16/11; age = 21–25 years, mean age = 23.1 years). Results Peak-to-peak equivalent signal levels and root mean square signal levels (at 20/s repetition rate) for the nine stimuli are stated. Conclusions The ETSPLs are in alignment overall with those found in previous studies, while some levels are about 2–6 dB higher for this study compared to the Interacoustics Titan IOW probe and the ER-3A insert earphone. The results are relevant for present and future universal newborn hearing screening and diagnostics carried out with the SnapPROBE™ to ensure that correct stimulation levels are applied.