Auditory steady-state responses for estimating moderate hearing loss

The auditory steady-state response (ASSR) has gained popularity as an alternative technique for objective audiometry but its use in less severe degrees of hearing loss has been questioned. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the ASSR in estimating moderate degrees of hearing loss. Seven subjects (12 ears) with moderate sensorineural hearing loss between 15 and 18 years of age were enrolled in the study. Forty-eight behavioural and ASSR thresholds were obtained across the frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. ASSR thresholds were determined using a dichotic multiple frequency recording technique. Mean threshold differences varied between 2 and 8 dB (±7–10 dB SD) across frequencies. The highest difference and variability was recorded at 0.5 kHz. The frequencies 1–4 kHz also revealed significantly better correlations (0.74–0.88) compared to 0.5 kHz (0.31). Comparing correlation coefficients for behavioural thresholds less than 60 and 60 dB and higher revealed a significant difference. Eighty-six percent of ASSR thresholds corresponded within 5 dB of moderate to severe behavioural thresholds compared to only 29% for mild to moderate thresholds in this study. The results confirm that the ASSR can reliably estimate behavioural thresholds of 60 dB and higher, but due to increased variability, caution is recommended when estimating behavioural thresholds of less than 60 dB, especially at 0.5 kHz.     

Auditory steady state response in pediatric audiology

The main issue regarding pediatric audiology diagnosis is determining procedures to configure reliable results which can be used to predict frequency-specific hearing thresholds.AimTo investigate the correlation between auditory steady-state response (ASSR) with other tests in children with sensorineural hearing loss.MethodsProspective cross-sectional contemporary cohort study. Twenty-three children (ages 1 to 7; mean, 3 years old) were submitted to ASSR, behavioral audiometry, click audiometry brain stem response (ABR), tone burst ABR, and predicting hearing level from the acoustic reflex.Resultsthe correlation between behavioral thresholds and ASSR was (0.70- 0.93), for the ABR tone burst it was (0.73 -0.93), for the ABR click it was (0.83-0.89) only at 2k and 4 kHz. The match between the ASSR and the hearing threshold prediction rule was considered moderate.Conclusionthere was a significant correlation between the ASSR and audiometry, as well as between ABR click (2k and 4 kHz) and for the ABR tone burst. The acoustic reflex can be used to add information to diagnosis in children.     

Comparison of auditory steady-state responses and auditory brainstem responses in audiometric assessment of adults with sensorineural hearing loss

Objective

Many of the medico-legal patients who claimed compensation may exaggerate hearing loss that varies in degree, nature, and laterality. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) could be used to predict the hearing level of adults, and whether ASSR could become a better testing method than Auditory brainstem response (ABR) in audiometric assessment of adults with sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods

This was a prospective study, which was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. From January to June 2007, 142 subjects (284 ears) with varying degrees of sensori-neural hearing impairment were included in this study. Four commonly used frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz) were evaluated. All subjects received pure-tone audiometry, multi-channel ASSR, and ABR tests for threshold measurement. The correlation of pure tone thresholds with ASSR and ABR thresholds were assessed.

Results

Between multi-channel ASSR and pure tone thresholds, a difference of less than 15 dB was found in 71% while a difference of less than 25 dB was found in 89% of patients. The correlation coefficient (r) of multi-channel ASSR and pure tone thresholds were 0.89, 0.95, 0.96, and 0.97 at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz, respectively. The strength of the relationship increased with increasing frequency. On the other hand, between ABR and pure-tone thresholds, a difference of less than 15 dB was found in 31%; a difference of less than 25 dB was found in 62% of patients. The r correlation value for ABR and pure tone thresholds was 0.83.

Conclusion

ASSR is a more reliable test for the accurate prediction of auditory thresholds than ABR. It can be a powerful and convenient electro-physiologic examination tool for clinically assessing of adults with sensorineural hearing loss.     

Refining the audiological assessment in children using narrow-band CE-Chirp-evoked auditory steady state responses

Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of simultaneous binaural recording of auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) in young children using narrow-band CE-Chirps as stimuli. Design: Prospective cohort study comparing ASSR thresholds to four frequency stimuli (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz), with click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and behavioral response audiometry. Study sample: Thirty-two young children (mean age 7.4 ± 5.2 months) referred for auditory assessment were evaluated. Results: The mean duration for ABR recordings was 13.3 ± 7.2 min versus 22.9 ± 15.8 min for ASSR (p < 0.01). ASSR (means of 2 and 4 kHz thresholds) were highly correlated with ABR thresholds (R² = 0.935, p < 0.001), though significantly different (3 ± 10.7 dB, p = 0.02). ASSR (means of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz thresholds) were highly correlated with mean behavioral response audiometry thresholds (R² = 0.968, p < 0.001). ASSRs were highly and significantly correlated with behavioral response audiometry at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz (R² = 0.845, 0.907, 0.929, and 0.859 respectively, p < 0.001). 87.5% and 90.7% ASSR thresholds were within a ± 10 dB range around their corresponding ABR and mean behavioral response audiometry thresholds. Conclusions: Narrow-band CE-Chirps allow a fast and reliable assessment of auditory thresholds in children, especially in the low-frequency range, by comparison with other stimuli.     

Comparison of auditory steady-state response and click-evoked auditory brain response in infants with different types and degrees of hearing loss

Abstract

Background: Auditory steady-state response (ASSR) and click-evoked auditory brain response (c-ABR) have been used for hearing assessment for decades years, the correlation of the two methods and the effects of type and degree of hearing loss (HL) to the correlation in infants younger than 6?months of age are unclear.

Objectives: To compare the correlation of ASSR and c-ABR and then to analyse the effects of type and degree of HL on the correlation in infants younger than 6?months of age.

Material and methods: Retrospective study comparing ASSR thresholds at various frequencies with c-ABR thresholds. 182 ears from 96 infants were assessed and classified according to types and degrees of HL.

Results: The correlation coefficients were: 0.823, 0.864, 0.891, 0.871, 0.908, 0.915 and 0.913 between ASSR thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 2–4, 1–2–4, 0.5–1–2–4?kHz and c-ABR thresholds respectively. The correlation coefficients in the group of sensorineural HL (SHL) (r?=?0.763–0.900) were higher than conductive HL (r?=?0.309–0.619) across all frequencies. The coefficients of severe-profound SHL (r?=?0.595–0.790) were higher than mild-moderate SHL (r?=?0.434–0.687) across all frequencies.

Conclusions and significance: ASSR was one valuable cross-check measure by providing frequency specific information in auditory assessment.     

不同程度感音神经性听力损失儿童ASSR、click-ABR反应阈与行为听阈的相关性

目的 探讨不同程度感音神经性听力损失儿童听性稳态反应(ASSR)、短声听性脑干反应(click-ABR)与行为阈值的相关性及在听障儿童听力评估中的价值.方法 回顾性分析2019年1月至2019年12月确诊的46例(92耳)感音神经性听力损失儿童的ASSR、click-ABR及行为听阈结果,其中,轻度听力损失4耳,中度听...     

68例感音神经性耳聋患者ASSR测试听阈与ABR测试V波反应阈的相关性研究

目的旨在探讨ASSR与ABR在诊断感音神经性耳聋中的相关性。方法68例临床诊断为感音神经性耳聋患者分别行0．5kHz，1kHz，2kHz，4kHzASSR测试及ABR测试，进行不同耳别、不同测试频率ASSR阈值与不同耳别ABRV波反应阈之间的相关分析。结果除了0．5kHz ASSR阈值与ABRV波反应阈的相关系数低而无显著意义外，1kHz，2kHz，4kHz ASSR阈值均与ABRV波反应阈有极显著性相关（P〈0．01），且随着测试频率的递增两者的相关系数随之增加，尤其是4kHz ASSR与ABRV波相关系数达到0．95以上（P〈0．01）。结论ASSR诊断感音神经性耳聋是可靠客观的，具有频率特性，可弥补ABR测试在诊断耳聋疾病中的频率局限性。     

Estimations of auditory sensitivity for young cochlear implant candidates using the ASSR: preliminary results

This paper presents preliminary results obtained with the use of the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) technique as part of a cochlear implant candidacy assessment protocol for infants. Fifteen infants (30 ears), between 10 and 60 months of age, with severe-to-profound hearing loss participated in the study. ASSR measurements were performed for 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz at intensities up to 120–128 dB HL. The ASSR thresholds were obtained in 74% of the measurements, and exceeded the maximum auditory brainstem response (ABR) intensity output in 91% of cases and the maximum free-field behavioral intensity output in 84% of cases. Eighty-seven per cent of ASSR threshold measurements were measured at intensities of 100 dB HL or higher, and almost half (47%) were measured at intensities of 115 dB HL and higher. Preliminary results indicate that absent ABR and behavioral thresholds do not preclude the possibility of residual hearing, making the ASSR a primary source of information regarding profound levels of hearing loss.     

多频稳态诱发电位评估中度感音神经性聋儿童的应用

目的探讨多频稳态听觉诱发电位评估儿童中度感音神经性聋的可靠性。方法所有患者经纯音测听（PTA）检查筛选出中度感音神经性聋30例5～6岁儿童（共40耳），然后口服10％水合氯醛镇静睡眠后，行多频稳态听觉诱发电位（ASSR）检测，其阈值与纯音听阂阈值进行比较，分析不同频率处听力阈值分布情况及其相关性。结果分别比较语言频率ASSR阂值与纯音听闽阈值，结果显示，0．5kHz处相关性较差，其差值为2-18dB，而在4kHz处相关性最好。结论可以应用多频稳态听觉诱发电位评估中度感音神经性聋儿童的听力阈值，但需要注意0．5kHz处的相关性差异。     

Auditory steady-state responses and clinical applications

The auditory steady-state responses to single continuous tones modulated in amplitude have been proposed as an alternative to objective frequency-specific audiometry. The aim of this study was to compare thresholds obtained by pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and by auditory steady-state responses in normal hearing or affected by hearing loss in adults and in order to evaluate the applicability of this objective test in no collaborative hearing-impaired subjects. Eleven people, 6 normal hearing and 5 with hearing loss, underwent PTA and multiple frequency auditory steady-state responses; simultaneous carrier tones (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 KHz) modulated in amplitude at different rates (77–105 Hz) were presented monaurally (TDH 49 earphones) at variable intensities (110–20 dB SPL). The mean threshold difference between PTA and multiple frequency auditory steady-state responses was 28 dB (standard deviation=14.2) and R correlation value at 0.5-1-2-4 kHz was 0.71 (P=0.0012) at the Pearson’s test. These differences were significantly smaller considering the hearing-impaired separately (11.7 dB, standard deviation=2.9). The results of this study confirm previous reports showing that the multiple auditory steady-state response method is an accurate predictor of the behavioural audiogram in patients with sensory-neural hearing impairments and can be used as a valid support for behavioural evaluations.     

Evaluation of residual hearing in cochlear implants candidates using auditory steady-state response

Conclusion: The correlations between behavioral and auditory steady-state response (ASSR) thresholds were significant at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. ASSR presented high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of residual hearing in cochlear implant candidates when compared with warble-tone audiometry. Objectives: To assess residual hearing in cochlear implant candidates by comparing the electrophysiological thresholds obtained in dichotic single-frequency ASSR with behavioral thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Methods: This was a comparative study between ASSR and warble-tone audiometry thresholds in 40 cochlear implant candidates (80 ears) before cochlear implantation with bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Results: Thresholds were obtained in 62.5% of all frequencies evaluated in warble-tone audiometry and in 63.1% in the ASSR. ASSR sensitivity was 96% and specificity was 91.6%. Mean differences between behavioral and ASSR thresholds did not reach significance at any frequencies. Strong correlations between behavioral and ASSR thresholds were observed in 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz and moderate in 4000 Hz, with correlation coefficients varying from 0.65 to 0.81. On 90% of occasions, ASSR thresholds were acquired within 10 dB of behavioral thresholds.     

多频听觉稳态反应与40Hz听相关电位对儿童客观听阈评估的比较

目的通过对感音神经性聋患儿的多频听觉稳态反应（multiple frequency auditory steady--state response，MFASSR）测试结果进行分析，并比较其在0．5 kHz处与40 Hz听相关电位（40Hz auditory event related potential，40 Hz AERP）对客观听阈评估的准确性，为MFASSR临床应用提供指导。方法对感音神经性聋儿进行纯音测听、ABR、40 Hz AERP和MFASSR测试。MFASSR与ABR、40 Hz AERP测试均在睡眠状态下进行。按照测试结果分为ABR未引出组与ABR引出组。结果①MFASSR在0．5 kHz处引出率比40 Hz AERP低。②0．5 kHz MFASSR反应阈对纯音听阈的评估较1、2、4 kHz MFASSR反应阈对纯音听阈的评估差。③以纯音听阈为标准，在0．5 kHz处MFASSR与40 Hz AERP对纯音听阈的评估差别具有统计学意义（P=0．001），说明，在0．5 kHz处MFASSR对纯音听阈评估的准确性不如40 Hz AERP。结论MFASSR反应阈对0．5 kHz处纯音听阈的预测需要结合40 Hz AERP来判断。     

听性稳态反应和短声诱发的听性脑干反应在客观听阈评估中的作用

目的探讨听性稳态反应(auditory steady-state responses,ASSR)和短声诱发听性脑干反应(ABR)在感音神经性聋人群客观听阈评估中的作用及其在耳聋鉴定中的价值。方法对感音神经性聋组(35耳)及正常组(22耳)分别进行纯音听阈、ABR及ASSR测试,并记录0.5、1、2及4kHz ASSR反应阈(dBHL)、纯音听阈(dBHL)及ABR反应阈(dBnHL)。结果正常组在0.5、1、2、4kHz的ASSR反应阈与纯音听阈相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),ABR反应阈与各频率纯音听阈差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.05);耳聋组各频率ASSR反应阈与纯音听阈差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),ABR反应阈与0.5kHz纯音听阈差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),与1、2、4kHz纯音听阈差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论ASSR与ABR联合测试是临床工作中用于客观听阈评估的有效方法。     

浅睡眠状态下的行为观察测听

目的 分别测试低龄儿双耳的听力状况.方法 对327名婴幼儿进行浅睡眠状态下的行为观察测听,并与click声刺激ABR结果进行比较;其中有58名婴幼儿一段时间后再进行游戏测听和纯音测听.结果 浅睡眠状态下的行为观察测听在2 kHz和4 kHz的平均反应阈与ABR的反应阈相当,但比跟踪测得的同频率纯音听阈值高约5～10 dB HL.结论 浅睡眠状态下的行为观察测听可分别测得低龄儿的双耳听反应阈.     

听性稳态反应在新生儿听力评估中的应用

目的 探讨听性稳态反应(auditory steady-state responses,ASSR)在新生儿听力评估中的准确性及应用价值.方法 对30例(60耳)畸变产物耳声发射(distortion product otoacoustic emission,DPOAE)正常的新生儿和45例(78耳)DPOAE异常的新生儿进行ASSR与听性脑干反应(auditory brainstem response audiome-try,ABR)测试,比较ASSR与ABR阈值差异有无统计学意义,并进行两者反应阈的相关性分析.结果 ①DPOAE正常组:ASSR 250 Hz反应阈与ABR阈值差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),ASSR平均阈值及4 000 Hz反应阈与ABR阈值差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),ASSR的250、500、1 000 Hz反应阈与ABR阈值相关性不明显,但2 000、4 000 Hz反应阈与ABR阈值有明显的相关性;②DPOAE异常组:ASSR的250～4 000 Hz阈值及平均阈值与ABR阈值差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).ASSR各频率反应阈与ABR阈值均有显著的相关性.结论 ASSR可以比较准确地评估听力筛查正常新生儿的平均听阈和中、高频听阈以及听力筛查未通过新生儿的各频率听阈.     

感音神经性聋儿童听性稳态反应与行为听阈相关性分析

目的：分析感音神经性聋儿童听性稳态反应（auditory steady－state response,ASSR）与行为听阈的相关性。方法63例（126耳）重度或极重度感音神经性听力损失儿童,年龄0．5～6岁,按年龄分为 A 组（0．5～1．0岁,21例）,B 组（1．1～3．0岁,21例）,C 组（3．1～6．0岁,21例）;分别进行 ASSR 及小儿行为听阈测试,A 组采用行为观察测听（BOA）,B 组采用视觉强化测听（VRA）,C 组采用游戏测听（PA）,采用 SPSS17．0统计软件分析二种检查结果的相关性。结果①ASSR 反应阈与行为听阈在0．5、1、2和4 kHz 处的相关系数分别为0．75、0．76、0．76、0．83,呈极显著相关（P ＜0．01）。②小儿行为听阈值通常比 ASSR 反应阈值低,随着频率的增高,两者间差距缩小。③A 组（相关系数0．70）各频率 ABR 反应阈与行为听阈相关性均较 B（相关系数0．78）、C（相关系数0．83）组低。结论0．5～6．0岁感音神经性聋儿童 ASSR 与行为听阈值均有良好的相关性,ASSR 可预测感音神经性聋儿言语频率的客观听阈,为低龄儿童及难以检测行为听力的患儿验配助听器提供参考。     

Comparison of pure tone audiometry and auditory steady-state responses in subjects with normal hearing and hearing loss

The objective of this study is to compare pure tone audiometry and auditory steady-state response (ASSR) thresholds in normal hearing (NH) subjects and subjects with hearing loss. This study involved 23 NH adults and 38 adults with hearing loss (HI). After detection of behavioral thresholds (BHT) with pure tone audiometry, each subject was tested for ASSR responses in the same day. Only one ear was tested for each subject. The mean pure tone average was 9 ± 4 dB for NH group and 57 ± 14 for HI group. There was a very strong correlation between BHT and ASSR measurements in HI group. However, the correlation was weaker in the NH group. The mean differences of pure tone average of four frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) and ASSR threshold average of same frequencies were 13 ± 6 dB in NH group and 7 ± 5 dB in HI group and the difference was significant (P = 0.01). It was found that 86% of threshold difference values were less than 20 dB in NH group and 92% of threshold difference values were less than 20 dB in HI group. In conclusion, ASSR thresholds can be used to predict the configuration of pure tone audiometry. Results are more accurate in HI group than NH group. Although ASSR can be used in cochlear implant decision-making process, findings do not permit the utilization of the test for medico-legal reasons.     

同步多频听觉稳态诱发反应与听性脑干诱发电位相关性研究

目的探讨同步多频听觉稳态诱发反应(auditory steady-state responses to multiple simultaneous stimuli,MSS-ASSR)与听性脑干诱发电位(auditory brainstem response audiometry,ABR)的关系。方法受试者为不同程度听力损失的儿童70名(140耳),年龄范围为3月龄～6岁。测试状态为水合氯醛镇静睡眠。仪器采用美国INTELLEGENT HEARING的诱发电位仪,MSS-ASSR及ABR测试的软件分别为SMART ASSR和SMART EP,刺激声信号的载波频率为0．5kHz、1kHz、2kHz及4kHz。左耳上述各个载波频率的调制频率分别为77Hz、85Hz、93Hz、101Hz,右耳为79Hz、87Hz、95Hz、103Hz。测试时,双耳八个调幅调制声信号经ER-3A标准插入式耳机同时给出。ABR的刺激声为短声,极性为交替波,刺激速率为19．3次／分,耳机也是ER-3A插入式耳机。受试儿先进行ABR测试、然后进行MSS-ASSR的测试,分别以降10升5法得出二者的反应阈。将MSS-ASSR 0．5kHz、1kHz、2kHz和4kHz的反应阈与ABR反应阈比较,以SPSS 10．0软件进行相关性分析。结果除去58耳ABR无反应外,剩余82耳ABR反应阈与MSS-ASSR 0．5kHz、1kHz、2kHz、4kHz的反应阈相关性具有显著性意义(P=0．000)。Pearson相关系数分别为0．757,0．854,0．906,0．912。结论MSS-ASSR作为儿童听力定量诊断的客观方法有很大的临床应用价值。     

Comparison between audiometric and ABR thresholds in children. Contradictory findings

The aim of the study was to predict hearing level thresholds with click-evoked ABR and to study the residual hearing when ABR was absent. In 85 hearing-impaired children, the conclusive pure-tone hearing level thresholds are reported. The exclusion criterion used was deteriorating hearing loss. The Jewett V-wave was identified in 48.2% of the subjects and was bilaterally absent in 51.8%. The correlation between ABR and PTA (2–4 kHz) thresholds was significant ( P <0.01). Audiometrically, 65.9% of the children with no response on ABR had hearing, and in 34.5% of these, the hearing loss was sloping. The median PTA (2–4 kHz) was 102 dB and the range from 65 to 120 dB. The accuracy of ABR is reasonably ineffective, because it overestimates the hearing loss in moderate and severe impairments. The absence of ABR indicates a significant hearing loss, but PTAs (2–4 kHz) as good as 65 dB were still found. Thus, a lack of response to click stimuli does not directly suggest none-viable residual hearing.     

脑性瘫痪患儿听性脑干反应及多频稳态听性反应分析

目的：通过听性脑干诱发反应（ABR）及听性稳态反应（ASSR）分析，探讨脑性瘫痪（脑瘫）患儿的听力障碍及脑干听通道功能变化。方法：采用美国GSIAudera听性脑干反应及听性稳态诱发电位测试仪，测试脑瘫患儿52例104耳。对照组为同龄健康儿童19例38耳。结果：脑瘫组患儿的ABR各波潜伏期及峰间潜伏期均较对照组明显延长；脑瘫组ASSR结果以轻度低频听力损失为著，并且各频率听力损失的平均值非常接近。结论：ABR和ASSR同时应用，为脑瘫患儿听力损失进行定性定量诊断提供了客观的测试方法。