Abstract
Abstract This study was designed to investigate bone Conduction (BC)/auditory steady state response (ASSR) in children with normal hearing, together with various types of hearing loss, to find out an objective method to differentiate between different types of hearing loss. A total of 80 children (with ages ranging between 3 and 6 years) were subjected to history taking, otological examination, and basic audiological evaluation in the form of pure-tone audiometry (air Conduction (AC), BC). Single monotic ASSR (AC, BC) was tested at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. They were classified on the basis of hearing status into three categories (20 children each): category I, normal hearing; category II, sensorineural hearing Loss (SNHL) (subdivided into two groups: group 1, mild-to-moderate SNHL; and group 2, severe-to-profound SNHL), and category III, conductive hearing loss. BC thresholds were poorer for ASSR testing compared with thresholds obtained with behavioral testing in normal category using 9, 7.5, 5.5, and 10.5 dBHL at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, respectively. In category II, in the mild-to-moderate SNHL group, it was poorer using 16.25, 5.75, 12.25, and 11.75 dBHL at the same measured frequencies. Minimum levels at which spurious BC/ASSR occurred were established in the group with severe-to-profound SNHL as 52, 66.5, 69, and 64 dBHL at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, respectively (no BC/pure tone audiometry (PTA) could be measured). In conductive hearing loss (CHL) category, it was poorer using 12.5, 8.5, 9.5, and 9 dBHL at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, respectively. Preliminary normal levels for BC/ASSR at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz were 23.5, 22.5, 20, and 25 dBHL, respectively. In children with conductive hearing loss, the average BC/ASSR thresholds corresponded closely to those in the normal-hearing group. BC/ASSR thresholds could be recorded reliably in children with normal hearing and conductive hearing losses. Meanwhile, BC/ASSR may not provide a reliable measure in cases of SNHL, especially cases with moderate or greater loss due to the low levels at which spurious responses may occur.
Highlights
Hearing loss is a relatively common sensory impairment
In children with normal hearing, it was noticed that BC/ASSR thresholds were always higher than that of BC/PTA
In children with mild-to-moderate SNHL, group 1 of category II, a similar finding was noticed, and the highest difference score detected was at 500 Hz and the lowest detected was at 1000 Hz (Table 3)
Summary
Hearing loss is a relatively common sensory impairment. An undetected hearing loss in infants and young children compromises optimal language development and personal achievement [1]. It is recommended that hearing screening and intervention programs be carried out before 3 months of age and appropriate treatment be provided by 6 months of age. Accurate and early assessment of hearing sensitivity in children is critical in these programs [2]. Evaluates responses on the basis of statistical measures. An existing barrier to full clinical implementation of the ASSR is insufficient research. Research involving normal-hearing infants and young children can provide expected normal levels. Van Maanen and Stapells [6] posited normal AC multiple-ASSR levels for four frequencies − 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
