Use of the Psychogalvanic Skin-Resistance Response in Pure-Tone Audiometry

Abstract

There has long been need for audiometric evaluation of infants and young children, as well as certain adults, who cannot or do not cooperate in standard test procedures. Pure-tone evaluation is required so that findings can be related in terms of etiology and pathology to known otologic entities. The galvanic skin-resistance response is considered a useful tool, when employed with a modified conditioned reflex. The nature of the Féré effect (PGSR) is described, and instrumentation and procedures are outlined. Norms of responses of human ears are discussed, and reference is made to some current animal experimentation. Reference is made to certain types of aberrant responses and to absence of responses. The general procedure is related to other clinical findings. Reference is made to several psychophysical details that require further research.