Contralateral Acoustic Reflex Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effect of Age on the Contralateral Acoustic Reflex Suppression Test in Individuals With Normal Hearing.

The aim of this study is to investigate the age-related changes of the Contralateral Acoustic Reflex Suppression (CARS) test in individuals with normal hearing and to provide age-related normal values. The study included 66 individuals aged 18-65 years. The participants were divided into three age groups, respectively, 18-30 years, 31-45 years, and 46-65 years. Acoustic reflex threshold and acoustic reflex amplitude measurements were performed at frequencies of 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in the presence and absence of suppressive noise from the contralateral ear. In the comparison of suppression amounts according to age groups, the highest suppression amount at all frequencies was observed in the 18-30 years age group. It is known that changes in the function of the efferent hearing system occur due to aging. In the CARS test, a decrease in the amount of suppression produced by the efferent system has been observed due to aging.

Contralateral Suppression of Acoustic Reflex in Individuals with Chronic Subjective Tinnitus

Objectives: The first aim of this study is to determine whether subjective tinnitus has an effect on the medial olivocochlear bundle function in the auditory efferent system, with the contralateral acoustic reflex suppression test. The second aim is to contribute to the literature on the auditory efferent system. Materıals and Methods: The study included 20 individuals with chronic subjective tinnitus and 28 healthy controls. Acoustic reflex measurement was applied to both groups at 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz with and without contralateral noise. The contralateral suppression of the acoustic reflex (CSAR) results of both groups were compared in terms of CSAR threshold (CSART) and CSAR amplitude (CSARA). Results: There was no significant difference between the control and tinnitus groups in terms of CSART (P > 0.05), except that the left ear of the tinnitus group was higher than the control group at 0.5 kHz (P = 0.015). There was no significant difference in CSARA of the ears at all frequencies between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that the CSAR test can be used as a complementary test in the evaluation of the auditory efferent system of individuals with chronic subjective tinnitus.

Evaluation of outcome of acoustic reflex tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

PurposeType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may induce micro-vascular and macro-vascular changes that can lead to neuropathic changes which may affect the auditory pathway resulting in hearing loss. The study aims to evaluate the outcome of ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic reflex (AR) parameters and reflex decay tests (RDT) in patients with T2DM, and the relationship between average AR parameters, and duration and control of T2DM.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care setup in 126 subjects which included 42 subjects with T2DM between 30 and 60 years of age, age-matched with 84 non-diabetic subjects. The subjects were evaluated for pure tone average (PTA), speech identification score (SIS), AR parameters [acoustic reflex threshold (ART), acoustic reflex amplitude (ARA), acoustic reflex latency (ARL)] and RDT.ResultsThe subjects with T2DM showed increased PTA in both ears when compared to the subjects with no disease. No significant difference was found in the SIS between both groups. There was no significant difference in the ART and ARL between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the ipsilateral and contralateral ARA at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz and broadband noise (BBN) when compared between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups. No significant difference was found between average AR parameters and duration and control of T2DM.ConclusionT2DM increases hearing thresholds and reduces ipsilateral and contralateral AR at lower frequencies and BBN. Duration and control of T2DM do not affect the AR parameters.

Auditory and Vestibular Findings in Brazilian Adults Affected by COVID-19: An Exploratory Study

Introduction: The aim of the study was to describe auditory and vestibular findings in Brazilian adults after COVID-19 in a municipality from the outskirts of the São Paulo state. Methods: This was a transversal and exploratory study comprising sixteen participants infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, confirmed through RT-PCR detection, aged 20 to 55 years. Subjects underwent anamnesis, vestibular and auditory testing. Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate medication use, chemical and physical exposure, and occupational risk and McNemar test was used to compare auditory and vestibular symptoms pre- and post-COVID-19. Results: Most patients were women (75%) and had been exposed to the virus over 90 days before testing (50%). 18.8% used hydroxychloroquine, 68.8% used ivermectin, and 87.5% used azithromycin to treat COVID-19. Auditory complaints were reported by 31.2% and vestibular by 18.7%. There was no statistical difference before and after the disease. Other reported symptomatology was hair loss, pain, fatigue, memory loss, difficulty to concentrate, and headache. Auditory findings were relevant in contralateral acoustic reflex, in the distortion-product otoacoustic emissions, and in the brainstem auditory evoked potential, characterizing a neurosensorial compromise. 43.74% of patients had altered vectonystagmography. When comparing both ears, no statistical relevance was found; however, when results were crossed with medication use and exposures, there was statistical relevance in the amplitude of the V wave for medications and absolute latency of the V wave to exposure to physical agents. Discussion/Conclusion: This study demonstrated auditory and vestibular findings of neurosensorial nature, considering hearing and of a peripheral vestibulopathy. As it is a study of transversal nature, it is not possible to extend results to general population; yet it may be a finding to future studies.

Intraoperative recordings of electromyogenic responses from the human stapedius muscle

Following surgical implantation of a cochlear implant, the external processor must be programmed individually, which is typically achieved by behavioral measurements, with the user indicating the perceived loudness between the threshold and the maximum comfort levels (MCLs). However, the stapedius reflex measurement could be used instead, as the basis for programming the fitting maps. The electrically evoked stapedius reflex threshold is known to have a high correlation with the MCLs and thus is used as an objective tool to determine the MCL, especially in children and non-cooperative patients. Previous studies demonstrated that the electromyogenic (EMG) activity of the stapedius muscle could be measured to determine stapedius reflex responses. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that intraoperative EMG recordings from the stapedius muscle could be performed with an EMG recording electrode designed for chronical implantation.Ten adult subjects with single sided deafness (SSD) participated in this study. The study was split up into a pre-, intra- and postoperative phase. In the preoperative phase the subjects were screened for the presence of the acoustic stapedius reflex by using a standard tympanometer in the ear to be implanted, while the contralateral ear was stimulated acoustically. During the intraoperative phase an EMG recording electrode was placed in the stapedius muscle and EMG responses were recorded during acoustical and electrical stimulation. The surgical procedure consisted of two interconnected procedures: A classical surgical approach for cochlear implantation with two additional surgical steps, and the temporary placement of an EMG recording electrode in the stapedius muscle made through an opening in the pyramidal eminence, allowing EMG recordings. The postoperative phase was used to evaluate the preservation of the stapedius reflex postoperatively at 1- and 6-months with contralateral acoustic and ipsilateral electrical stimulation.The EMG recording electrode could successfully be placed in the stapedius muscle in all subjects and was able to reliably record EMG signals from the stapedius muscle elicited by acoustic and electrical stimulation. Overall, EMG recordings were obtained intraoperatively in all subjects tested (8 out of 8 subjects). Contralateral acoustic stapedius reflexes were obtained in 6 out of 8 subjects and ipsilateral electrical stapedius reflex in 7 out of 8 subjects. In the postoperative phase, the preservation of the postoperative reflex was observed in 6 out of 10 subjects 1-month after surgery and in 8 out of 10 subjects 6-months after surgery.The study showed that intraoperative EMG recordings from the stapedius muscle can be performed with an EMG recording electrode designed for chronical implantation. The minimally invasive procedure is promising; in particular with regard to the future perspective of measurements in the long-term with an integrated closed-loop self-fitting system.

Auditory hypersensitivity in Williams syndrome

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate auditory hypersensitivity in WS and to evaluate hyperacusis through standardized protocols, checking if it can be associated with the absence of acoustic reflexes in people with WS. MethodThe study was performed in 17 individuals with WS, aged between seven and 17 years old (10 males and seven females), and 17 individuals with typical development age- and gender-matched to individuals with WS. Statistical tests were used to analyze the responses collected with the Loudness Discomfort Level (LDL) test as well as ipsilateral and contralateral reflex responses. ResultsAuditory hypersensitivity was commonly found. Individuals with WS had phonophobia and were less tolerant to high sound intensity, presenting a reduced discomfort threshold compared to those with typical development. However, hyperacusis was found in 35.29% of individuals with WS and was mild in 50% of cases. There was an association between hyperacusis and acoustic reflex responses, and individuals with absence of the contralateral acoustic reflex were more likely to have hyperacusis. ConclusionsIndividuals with WS have a high prevalence of auditory hypersensitivity, with the presence of phonophobia; however, hyperacusis was not as prevalent and may be associated with the absence of contralateral acoustic reflexes.

Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Auditory-Vestibular System

Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Auditory-Vestibular System

Effects of familial Mediterranean fever on the middle ear

ObjectiveTo evaluate middle and inner ear function and hearing status of children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). MethodsWe assigned 56 patients with FMF to the study group and 52 healthy volunteers to the control group. The mean age of patients in the study and control groups were 10.10 ± 3.70 and 9.77 ± 3.74 years, respectively. Physical examination and hearing evaluation were performed in both groups. The audiological test battery included 226-Hz tympanometry, pure tone audiometric evaluation, acoustic stapedial reflex measurements, distortion product otoacoustic emission recording, and wide-band tympanometry assessment. ResultsThe groups were similar in age and sex ratio (p > 0.05 for both comparisons). Pure tone audiogram and distortion product otoacoustic emission results were also similar for both groups (p > 0.05). The ipsilateral acoustic stapedial reflex were present in both of the groups and all participants had Type A tympanogram. The contralateral acoustic stapedial reflex thresholds were significantly higher in the familial Mediterranean fever group (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The ambient and peak pressure absorbance values of wide-band tympanometry were significantly lower at 2000 Hz and significantly higher at 4000 Hz in the familial Mediterranean fever group (p < 0.05 for both comparisons). The severity and duration of disease adversely affected the absorbance values of wide-band tympanometry at 2000 and 4000 Hz (p < 0.05). ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the adverse subclinical effects of familial Mediterranean fever on the middle ear. We recommend that children diagnosed with FMF should be closely monitored for future clinical middle ear pathologies.

Does the short-term exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field originating from mobile phone affect auditory functions as measured by Acoustic Admittance and Evoked Otoacoustic Emission tests?

ABSTRACT Background Mobile phones constitute an important source of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) for humans. Taking into account high sensitivity of sensory hair cells of the inner ear to endogenous and exogenous agents, the potential impact of mobile phone usage on auditory organs is of particular interest. Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of short-term exposure to RF-EMF generated by a mobile phone during 15-minute simulated phone call on human hearing as measured by Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE) and Acoustic Admittance Testing (AAT). Material and methods Within-subject study was performed on 23 healthy volunteers. All of the participants underwent TEOAE and AAT before and immediately after 15-minute simulated phone call with the use of a standard, modern smartphone. Analyzed parameters included: static compliance of tympanic membrane, middle ear pressure, ipsi- and contralateral acoustic reflex thresholds and percentage of signal reproducibility in TEOAE for exposed and non-exposed ear. Additionally, the results were compared in subgroups distinguished basing on self-reported sensitivity to RF-EMF originating from mobile phones. Results No statistically significant differences were identified between results of TEOAE and AAT before and after exposure, both in exposed and non-exposed ear. The results of EMF sensitive and non-sensitive subjects were comparable in all performed tests. Conclusions Short-term exposure to mobile phone electromagnetic field did not influence auditory functions as measured by Evoked Otoacoustic Emission test and Acoustic Admittance Testing.

A novel method: can stapedial acoustic reflex have a role in the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy?

Stapedial acoustic reflex is an easily accessible and applicable test which is also valuable for the clinical conditions which affect the various locations of the central nervous system. Searching the diagnostic value of stapedial acoustic reflex at minimal hepatic encephalopathy is the aim of this research. Diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy was conducted by mini-mental state and critical flickered frequency tests. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy diagnosed patients were established in the first group. Cirrhosis (without minimal hepatic encephalopathy or overt hepatic encephalopathy) diagnosed patients were created the control group. The stapedial acoustic reflex test was applied for minimal hepatic encephalopathy and the control group by audiologists in a soundproof room. In total, 221 patients were screened and 97 patients meet the inclusion criterions. Out of 97 patients, 52 were the minimal hepatic encephalopathy patients and the remaining patients were the control group. Acoustic reflex tests battery includes the evaluation of two pathways called ipsilateral and contralateral. Ipsilateral way test results were found positive in all minimal hepatic encephalopathy patients and 95% positive in the control group. Contralateral acoustic reflex test results were found 36% positive in minimal hepatic encephalopathy patients and 95% positive in the control group, respectively. A comparison of ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic reflex test results was displayed a statistical significance. Stapedial acoustic reflex test results of cirrhosis patients may cover additional parameters for the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy.

Effect of Intensity Level and Speech Stimulus Type on the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex.

Accurate vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) measurement requires control of extravestibular suppressive factors such as visual fixation. Although visual fixation is the dominant suppressor and has been extensively studied, the mechanisms underlying suppression from nonvisual factors of attention and auditory stimulation are less clear. It has been postulated that the nonvisual suppression of the VOR is the result of one of two mechanisms: (1) activation of auditory reception areas excites efferent pathways to the vestibular nuclei, thus inhibiting the VOR or (2) cortical modulation of the VOR results from directed attention, which implies a nonmodality-specific process. The purpose of this research was to determine if the VOR is affected by the intensity level and/or type of speech stimulus. A repeated measures design was used. The experiment was single-blinded. Participants included 17 adults (14 females, three males) between the ages of 18-34 years who reported normal oculomotor, vestibular, neurological, and musculoskeletal function. Each participant underwent slow harmonic acceleration testing in a rotational chair. VOR gain was assessed at 0.02, 0.08, and 0.32 Hz in quiet (baseline). VOR gain was also assessed at each frequency while a forward running speech stimulus (attentional) or a backward running speech stimulus (nonattentional) was presented binaurally via insert earphones at 42, 62, and 82 dBA. The order of the conditions was randomized across participants. VOR difference gain was calculated as VOR gain in the auditory condition minus baseline VOR gain. To evaluate auditory efferent function, the medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR) was assayed using transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (right ear) measured in the presence and absence of broadband noise (left ear). Contralateral acoustic reflex thresholds were also assessed using a broadband noise elicitor. A three-way repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate the effect of frequency, intensity level, and speech type on VOR difference gain. Correlations were conducted to determine if difference gain was related to the strength of the MOCR and/or to the acoustic reflex threshold. The analysis of variance indicated that VOR difference gain was not significantly affected by the intensity level or the type of speech stimulus. Correlations indicated VOR difference gain was not significantly related to the strength of the MOCR or the acoustic reflex threshold. The results were in contrast to previous research examining the effect of auditory stimulation on VOR gain as auditory stimulation did not produce VOR suppression or enhancement for most of the participants. Methodological differences between the studies may explain the discrepant results. The removal of an acoustic target from space to attend to may have prevented suppression or enhancement of the VOR. Findings support the hypothesis that VOR gain may be affected by cortical modulation through directed attention rather than due to activation of efferent pathways to the vestibular nuclei.

Auditory brainstem function in women with vestibular migraine: a controlled study

BackgroundVestibular migraine (VM) has been recognized as a diagnostic entity over the past three decades. It affects up to 1% of the general population and 7% of patients seen in dizziness clinics. It is still underdiagnosed; consequently, it is important to conduct clinical studies that address diagnostic indicators of VM. The aim of this study was to assess auditory brainstem function in women with vestibular migraine using electrophysiological testing, contralateral acoustic reflex and loudness discomfort level.MethodsThe study group consisted of 29 women with vestibular migraine in the interictal period, and the control group comprised 25 healthy women. Auditory brainstem response, frequency following response, binaural interaction component and assessment of contralateral efferent suppression were performed. The threshold of loudness discomfort and the contralateral acoustic reflex were also investigated. The results were compared between the groups.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between the groups in the frequency following response and the loudness discomfort level.ConclusionsThe current study suggested that temporal auditory processing and loudness discomfort levels are altered in VM patients during the interictal period, indicating that these measures may be useful as diagnostic criteria.

Influence of the socieconomic level on the temporal resolution hearing skills in adults

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate the influence of the socioeconomic level on the temporal resolution auditory ability of adults. Methods: the sample consisted of 48 subjects aged 18 to 50 years, divided into three groups: G1, 11 subjects at level A; G2, 19 in B1 and B2 and G3, 18 in C1, C2, D and E. All subjects presented responses in 20 dB HL in frequencies of 500 to 4000 Hz, during audiometric screening, type A tympanometry, presence of contralateral and ipsilateral acoustic reflexes, no neurological, psychiatric and / or psychological changes diagnosed; without audiological and / or otological complaints and with performance above 95% in the dichotic digit test. The Random Gap Detection and Gap-in-noise tests were performed. The Shapiro-Wilk test for normality analysis and the Kruskall Wallis test for socioeconomic stratum analysis, were used, both with 5% significance. Results: there were statistically significant differences between the groups in the Random Gap Detection in the frequency of 500 Hz and in the average of the frequencies, as a function of the socioeconomic level, the same not being observed in the Gap-in-noise. Conclusions: it is suggested that the socioeconomic level be taken into account in the analysis of the Random Gap Detection test.

Hidden hearing loss in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the auditory system for hidden hearing loss (HHL) and its association with clinical variables and endothelial dysfunction (ED) in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia (SCA). MethodsParticipants included 37 patients with stable SCA and 44 healthy controls (HC group) (aged 6–18 years) with hearing thresholds ≤ 20 dB (dB) were evaluated for pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, acoustic reflex, otoacoustic emission, and auditory evoked potentials. Laboratory analysis of the lipid profile, and C-reactive protein levels and endothelial function using ultrasonographic imaging of the brachial artery to assess flow-mediated dilation were performed. ResultsThe SCA group presented with a higher rate of increased contralateral acoustic reflex thresholds, compared to those in the HC group at all frequencies and in both ears (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the brainstem auditory evoked potentials between the SCA and HC groups. In the SCA group, the waves III and V latencies were increased (p = 0.006 and 0.004 respectively), and the I-III and I-V interpeak intervals were longer (p = 0.015 and 0.018 respectively) than those in the HC group. There was no association between the audiological measures and clinical and metabolic variables and sickle cell anemia complications including endothelial function and therapy. ConclusionIn conclusion, our findings suggest that damage in the auditory system in SCA patients can be present involving retrocochlear structures, causing functional deficits without deterioration of auditory sensitivity.

A Large-Scale Examination of Veterans with Normal Pure-Tone Hearing Thresholds within the Department of Veterans Affairs

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) audiologists have anecdotally reported examining numerous Veterans with normal pure-tone thresholds; however, the prevalence of these patients within the VA is unknown. The VA audiological data repository provides an ideal dataset to examine this group of Veterans. Knowing the prevalence of normal-hearing Veterans within the VA system is the first step to understanding the underlying referral patterns and clinical complaints of Veterans. Data repositories which capture data from both normal and impaired populations provide an indispensable view into hearing health care which can help to improve diagnosis and treatment of Veterans' hearing difficulties. Using the VA audiological data repository, this study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence of normal hearing thresholds among Veterans seeking hearing health care within the VA health care system and (2) determine the prevalence of abnormal clinical audiology test results among Veterans with normal hearing thresholds. This study was a large-scale retrospective, descriptive observational analysis of uploaded audiological records from the VA Denver Acquisition and Logistics Center audiological data repository encompassing visits that took place between April 1991 and June 2015. At the time of data extraction, there were 3,641,326 audiological records in the repository, with 2,322,771 unique individual records. The study sample was further restricted to include only individuals with normal hearing (n = 235,091), which was defined as pure-tone thresholds better than, or equal to, 25 dB HL at octave frequencies from 250 to 8000 Hz, bilaterally. Patients ranged from 19 to 90+ years of age. We describe the data using frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and means and standard deviations for continuous variables. In addition to hearing thresholds, the occurrence of abnormal results on other tests in the audiological test battery is also reported. We estimate the prevalence of normal hearing among all Veterans with records in the VA audiological data repository. Veterans with normal hearing were on average 37 yr old. The prevalence of Veterans with normal hearing thresholds visiting VA audiology clinics in the current hearing repository dataset was 10.12%. Overall, 41% of Veterans with normal pure-tone thresholds had other clinically abnormal audiological test results; for example, contralateral acoustic reflex thresholds (31.7%) and tympanometry (21.5%) had the highest rate of abnormal test results. Approximately one in ten Veterans seeking care within the VA healthcare system, and reported to the VA audiological data repository, has normal pure-tone hearing thresholds. This may be an underestimate of the true underlying prevalence of normal-hearing Veterans seeking audiology services at the VA because records with normal results were not consistently submitted to the repository. In addition, 41% of Veterans with normal pure-tone thresholds nonetheless presented with other audiological abnormalities. This study suggests that future work directed toward understanding referral patterns and clinical complaints of individuals who present to VA audiology clinics with normal hearing thresholds may be fruitful in the cause of improving diagnosis and treatment of Veterans' hearing difficulties.

Objective evaluation of binaural summation through acoustic reflex measures

Objective: A previous study [Rawool, V. W. (2016). Auditory processing deficits: Assessment and intervention. New York, NY: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., pp. 186–187] demonstrated objective assessment of binaural summation through right contralateral acoustic reflex thresholds (ARTs) in women. The current project examined if previous findings could be generalised to men and to the left ear. Design: Cross-sectional. Study sample: Sixty individuals participated in the study. Left and right contralateral ARTs were obtained in two conditions. In the alternated condition, the probe tone presentation was alternated with the presentation of the reflex activating clicks. In the simultaneous condition, the probe tone and the clicks were presented simultaneously. Binaural summation was calculated by subtracting the ARTs obtained in the simultaneous condition from the ARTs obtained in the alternated condition. Results: MANOVA on ARTs revealed no significant gender or ear effects. The ARTs were significantly lower/better in the simultaneous condition compared to the alternated condition. Conclusions: Binaural summation was 4 dB or higher in 88% of the ears and 6 dB or higher in 76% of ears. Stimulation of six out of the total 120 (0.5%) ears resulted in worse thresholds in the simultaneous condition compared with the alternating condition, suggesting binaural interference.

Audiometric evaluation in individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis

OBJECTIVES:To characterize the audiometric evaluation and acoustic immittance measures in different types of mucopolysaccharidosis.METHOD:Fifty-three mucopolysaccharidosis patients were evaluated. The classification consisted of type I (Hurler syndrome, Hurler-Scheie and Scheie syndrome), type II (Hunter syndrome), type III (Sanfilippo syndrome), type IV (Morquio syndrome), and type VI (Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome). Immittance audiometry and play or conventional threshold tone audiometry were used to obtain auditory thresholds and were chosen according to the patient's chronological age and ability to understand/respond to the procedure. The findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics and considering the recommendations for research involving human beings contained in Resolution CNE N° 466/2012.RESULTS:Fifty-one subjects (96.2%) had hearing loss, and the conductive type was the most frequent. Only two (3.8%) patients presented bilateral thresholds within normal limits, one with type IV mucopolysaccharidosis and the other with type VI. There were 11 individuals (20.8%) with mucopolysaccharidosis type I with mixed hearing loss, 9 (16.9%) individuals with type I with conductive hearing loss and 9 (16.9%) with type VI with conductive hearing loss. Mild hearing loss was most common (37.3%), followed by moderately severe hearing loss (36.3%). The type B tympanometric curve (80.4%) was the most frequent.CONCLUSIONS:Most of the individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis types I, II, III, IV and VI presented mixed or conductive hearing losses of mild to moderately severe degree, type B tympanograms and an absence of contralateral acoustic reflexes.

Evaluation of Acoustic Reflex and Reflex Decay Tests in Geriatric Group.

To determine average acoustic reflex thresholds in geriatric groups by assessing ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic reflex and reflex decay tests. A total of 25 elders between ages 65-84 years (74.3±5.4) and 25 individuals between ages 18-45 years (30.4±4.2) were recruited for the study. After ear, nose, and throat examination, ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic reflex thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hertz (Hz) were determined and a reflex decay test at contralateral 500 Hz was conducted. Ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds were obtained with high-frequency band, low-frequency band, and wide band noise, and the results were compared with ipsilateral acoustic reflexes at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic reflex measurements at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz (p>0.05). Negative reflex decay was obtained in all participants and no statistically significant difference between the two groups was observed in terms of reflex decay thresholds (p>0.05). Acoustic reflex with high-frequency band noise was observed in five of nine elders whose acoustic reflexes were not obtained at 2000 and 4000 Hz, whereas acoustic reflex with low-frequency band noise was observed in one of six elders who did not show reflexes at 500 and 1000 Hz. It was concluded that although some changes were observed due to age, middle ear and stapes muscles work normally in geriatric group. In the reflex decay test, reliable results were obtained at contralateral 500 Hz. Acoustic reflex measurements with low- and high-frequency band noise may also be used to assess middle ear functions.

Potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico em fumantes

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar os resultados dos exames de potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico em indivíduos não tabagistas e tabagistas. Métodos: foram estudados 40 indivíduos, sendo 20 não tabagistas e 20 tabagistas, com idades entre 20 e 59 anos. Todos os participantes incluídos na pesquisa deveriam apresentar respostas de limiares tonais dentro dos padrões da normalidade e timpanometria tipo A com presença de reflexos acústicos contralaterais e ipsilaterais. Em ambos os grupos foram realizados os potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico (PEATE), por meio de cliques. Os parâmetros que foram utilizados na comparação dos dois grupos foram as latências absolutas das ondas I, III e V; as interlatências das ondas I-III, I-V e III-V em ambas as orelhas; a diferença da latência interpico I-V entre as duas orelhas e a diferença interaural da latência absoluta da onda V entre as duas orelhas. Resultados: os resultados encontrados mostraram que o grupo de tabagistas apresentou latência I da Orelha Direita (p=0,036), latência V da Orelha Direita (p=0,007), latência V da Orelha Esquerda (p=0,014), interlatência III-V da Orelha Direita (p=0,015) e Orelha Esquerda (p=0,016) significantemente maior que o grupo de não tabagistas. Não houve diferença significante na latência da onda V entre as duas orelhas. Conclusão: os resultados da pesquisa levaram à conclusão de que o tabaco é um fator de risco para o sistema nervoso auditivo central, que pode interferir nas latências e interlatências das ondas do PEATE no grupo de tabagistas quando comparado com o grupo de não tabagistas.

Study and analysis of contralateral acoustic reflex in children with phonological disorder

SummaryMuch has been studied on the role of the acoustic reflex in the communication process.AimTo examine the responses of the contralateral acoustic reflex in children with normal hearing and phonological disorders. To investigate the relationship of the level of severity of phonological disorder. To measure the chances of it affecting all the frequencies tested.Materials and MethodsThe study was based on the analysis of medical charts from 70 children with phonological disorders, and 24 females and 46 males, aged between 5 and 7 years. Audiological tests were analyzed to exclude children with hearing loss, evaluation of the contralateral acoustic reflex and the level of severity of phonological disorder. Study Design: Prospective.ResultsAll children showed change in the contralateral acoustic reflex. There was no significant relationship between the level of severity of phonological disorders and changes in the acoustic reflex for both genders. Female children showed no statistically significant value in the relationship between the frequencies, except at 500 Hz. Male children had more significant relationship in the association between changes in frequencies tested.ConclusionIt is believed that children with phonological disorders exhibit changes in the contralateral acoustic reflex.