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.     

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。     

The auditory steady-state response: clinical observations and applications in infants and children

Two studies illustrate the use of the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) in the pediatric clinical audiology setting. A protocol for estimating bone-conduction thresholds from ASSR was developed. Bone-conducted narrow-band noise was used to mask the ASSR for a 1.0-kHz modulated tone. The amount of bone-conducted noise needed to mask the ASSR may distinguish between infants and children with conductive hearing losses and those with sensory losses. The amount of bone-conducted noise may also be used to estimate bone-conduction thresholds; however, the accuracy of this technique needs verification with behavioral methods to determine thresholds for bone-conducted pure tones in infants. When ASSR tests are used as part of the diagnostic evaluation for infants and children at risk for hearing loss, the results yield information about the audiometric contour and residual hearing, which aid in treatment and habilitation decisions.     

成人感音神经性聋的听觉稳态反应反应阈与纯音听阈

目的探讨成人感音神经性聋的听觉稳态反应（auditory steady-state responses,ASSR）反应阈与纯音听阈的关系。方法选择中国医科大学附属一院耳鼻咽喉科门诊感音神经性聋的成人患者,分别进行纯音听力测试、ASSR检查,比较ASSR在0.5、1、2、4 kHz频率处的反应阈与纯音听阈的相关性及按听力损失程度比较两者的差值。结果 ASSR反应阈与纯音听阈在各频率处的相关系数分别为0.840、0.905、0.886、0.924;随着感音神经性听力损失的加重二者的差值明显缩小。随着频率的增加,两者的差值明显缩小。结论成人感音神经性聋ASSR反应阈与纯音听阈有显著相关性,随着听力损失的加重,ASSR反应阈愈接近纯音听阈,ASSR作为成人感音神经性聋听力定量诊断的客观方法有很大的临床应用价值。     

Tone-evoked brainstem responses and auditory steady state responses to 40hz and 80hz amplitude modulated stimuli with different frequencies — a comparative study

Abstract  Tone burst evoked auditory brainstem responses and auditory steady state responses with 40 or > 80 Hz modulation can be used to determine frequency specific threshold. Aim  The present study was taken up to check for the efficacy of estimating hearing thresholds by tone burst ABR and ASSR. The frequency effect (low, mid and high) on estimating the threshold was also focused upon. Methods  20 normal hearing adults (40 ears) in the age range of 16 to 30 years participated in the study. The pure tone audiometry and immittance was initially done. Subsequently, tone-burst ABR, 80Hz ASSR and 40Hz ASSR to estimate the threshold with three frequencies 500Hz (low), 2000Hz (mid) and 4000Hz (high) was done. The data was analyzed statistically using pair sample t-test. Results  ASSR threshold for 80Hz and 40Hz was almost comparable. ASSR was superior to estimate the threshold than tone-burst ABR. For the low frequency the discrepancy between the behavioral threshold and frequency-specific evoked audiometry was more when compared to mid and high frequency. Conclusion  Present study showed that steady-state responses were efficient means of threshold detection than visual detection of ABR wave-V. In awake adult subjects, 40Hz and 80Hz amplitude modulated produced similar results. For the threshold estimation ASSR was better than tone-burst ABR.     

正常青年人短纯音ABR和ASSR的相关性研究

目的比较正常青年人短纯音听性脑干反应（auditory brainstem response，ABR）和听性稳态反应（auditory steady-state response，ASSR）反应阈的差异及相关性。方法对10名（20耳）听力正常青年人进行短纯音ABR和ASSR反应阈测试，分别记录0．5．1、2和4 kHz的反应阈，比较这两种不同测试方法所得反应阈的特点及相关性。结果短纯音ABR和ASSR反应阈无显著性差异（P〉O．05），两者在0．5、1、2和4 kHz处的相关系数分别为0．49、0．52．0．64和0．76。结论正常青年人短纯音ABR反应阈和ASSR反应阈存在一定的相关性，高频处的相关性较低频好。     

Auditory steady-state response and auditory brainstem response thresholds in children

The inclusion of the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) into test-batteries for objective audiometry has allowed for clinical comparisons with the most widely used procedure, the auditory brainstem response (ABR). The current study describes ASSR and ABR thresholds for a group of infants and young children with various types and degrees of hearing loss. A sample of 48 subjects (23 female) with a mean age of 2.8 ± 1.9 years SD were assessed with a comprehensive test-battery and classified according to type and degree of hearing loss. Thresholds were determined with a broadband click-evoked ABR and single frequency ASSR evoked with continuous tones (0.25–4 kHz) amplitude modulated (67–95 Hz). Mean difference scores (±SD) between the ABR and high frequency ASSR thresholds were 9.8 (±11), 3.6 (±12) and 10.5 (±12) dB at 1, 2 and 4 kHz, respectively. An ASSR mean threshold for 2–4 and 1–4 kHz compared to the ABR threshold revealed an average difference of 7 (±9) and 7.9 (±8) dB, respectively. The overall correlation between the ABR and ASSR thresholds was highest for the mean ASSR thresholds of 2–4 and 1–4 kHz (r = 0.92 for both conditions). Correlations between the ABR and individual ASSR frequencies were slightly less (0.82–0.86). The average of the 2–4 kHz ASSR thresholds correlated best with the click-evoked ABR for all categories of hearing loss except for the sensorineural hearing loss category for which the 1–4 kHz ASSR average was better correlated to ABR thresholds. Findings demonstrate the reliability of verifying high frequency ASSR thresholds with a click-evoked ABR as an important cross-check in infants for whom behavioural audiometry may not be possible.     

多频稳态诱发电位测试对中重度以下听力损失的评估价值

目的了解多频稳态诱发电位测试在客观听力评价中的准确性。方法对听力正常人、轻度、中度和中重度感音神经性聋的患者共76例耳分别行纯音测听、听觉脑干诱发电位和多频稳态诱发电位测试,对三者阈值进行方差分析、Baye’s准则下多类判别分析。结果由ASSR结果推测客观听力状况所犯的判断错误,在听力正常组,判别符合正确率分别100%,轻度聋组为92.3%,中度聋组判别正确率为88.9%,中-重度聋组判别正确率为83.3%。结论多频稳态诱发电位测试在客观听力评价中有较好的准确率,值得在实际工作中推广应用。     

ASSR、Tb-ABR和c-ABR在正常听力人群客观听阈评估中的相关性分析

目的：研究多频听觉稳态反应（ASSR）、短纯音听觉脑千诱发电位（Tb-ABR）和短声听觉脑干诱发电位（c-ABR）反应阈与纯音听阈（PTA）在正常听力人群中的差别和相关性。方法：对正常听力的受试者（共58耳）进行ASSR、Tb-ABR和c-ABR以及纯音测听检查,分别得出前三者测试的反应阂并与PTA进行相关性分析。结果：ASSR和Tb-ABR的反应阈均与同频率的PTA具有良好的相关性;Tb-ABR的反应阈与PTA的值接近,ASSR反应阈与PTA间的差值较大;c-ABR与PTA2、4kHz听阈的均值呈线性相关。结论：ASSR和Tb-ABR都是较好的评估行为听阚的频率特异性客观测听方法,Tb-ABR结合c-ABR能较好地反映PTA。     

Clinical application of dichotic multiple-stimulus auditory steady-state responses in high-risk newborns and young children

Experience with dichotic multiple-stimulus auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) in clinical practice is described. ASSR thresholds were assessed in a sample of 60 high-risk newborns and young children between birth and 4 years of age. Amplitudes and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of the ASSR were compared between normal-hearing infants and adults. Age-related changes within a group of infants younger than 3 months of age were investigated. A comparison was made between ASSR, the click-evoked auditory brainstem response and behavioral hearing thresholds in infants with a wide range of hearing threshold levels. Mean ASSR thresholds for normal-hearing infants at an average corrected age of 12 days were 42 +/- 10, 35 +/- 10, 32 +/- 10 and 36 +/- 9 dB SPL for 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz, respectively. Compared to adults, these thresholds were elevated by on average 11 dB and SNRs were 1.7 times smaller. However, based on ASSRs, reasonably accurate estimations could be made of behavioral hearing thresholds obtained at a later age (median delay of 7 months). The predicted thresholds were in 61% of the cases within 10 dB of the corresponding behavioral thresholds, and in 83% of the cases within 15 dB. In less than 1 h, thresholds at four frequencies per ear could be obtained. The optimal age of testing is between 1 week and 3 months corrected age. The dichotic multiple-stimulus ASSR technique is a valuable extension of the clinical test battery for hearing-impaired children, as a follow-up diagnostic after the neonatal hearing screening.     

Comparative study between pure tone audiometry and auditory steady-state responses in normal hearing subjects

IntroductionAuditory steady-state responses (ASSR) are an important tool to detect objectively frequency-specific hearing thresholds. Pure-tone audiometry is the gold-standard for hearing evaluation, although sometimes it may be inconclusive, especially in children and uncooperative adults.AimCompare pure tone thresholds (PT) with ASSR thresholds in normal hearing subjects.Materials and methodsIn this prospective cross-sectional study we included 26 adults (n = 52 ears) of both genders, without any hearing complaints or otologic diseases and normal pure-tone thresholds. All subjects had clinical history, otomicroscopy, audiometry and immitance measurements. This evaluation was followed by the ASSR test. The mean pure-tone and ASSR thresholds for each frequency were calculated.ResultsThe mean difference between PT and ASSR thresholdswas 7,12 for 500 Hz, 7,6 for 1000 Hz, 8,27 for 2000 Hz and 9,71 dB for 4000 Hz. There were no difference between PT and ASSR means at either frequency.ConclusionASSR thresholds were comparable to pure-tone thresholds in normal hearing adults. Nevertheless it should not be used as the only method of hearing evaluation.© 2014 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.     

Prognostic validity of dichotic multiple frequencies auditory steady-state responses versus distortion product otoacoustic emissions in hearing screening of high risk neonates

Objective

To determine the validity of dichotic multiple frequencies auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) as a hearing screening technique versus using distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) among high-risk neonates.

Methods

A cross sectional study was performed on 118 high-risk neonates by means of dichotic multiple frequencies ASSR and DPOAE for hearing screening. DPOAE results were used as the standard for hearing screening in parallel with ASSR. Dichotic multiple frequencies ASSR results were analyzed by means of F-value of less or greater than 0.05 criteria as a pass-fail for the responses. Dichotic multiple ASSR hearing screening technique was considered in two intensity levels at 40 and 70 dB HL. The ASSRs thresholds were measured in high risk neonates with and without hearing deficits as determined by DPOAES. The results of ASSR and DPOAE were compared to be gathered by contingency table in order to obtain sensitivity, specificity and other different statistical values. Average performing times for the tests were analyzed.

Results

The specificity of dichotic multiple ASSR was 92.6%, 93.8% and the sensitivity was 71.6%, 62.2% at the 70 and 40 dB hearing levels, respectively. Mean ASSR thresholds for normal-hearing infants at an average corrected age of 6 days were 32.2 ± 12.2, 29.8 ± 10.2, 26.2 ± 11.4 and 30.4 ± 10.8 dB HL for 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz, respectively. The average times for performing the tests were 18.7 and 32.9 min respectively.

Conclusions

ASSR with this special paradigm is a fairly desirable method for hearing screening of high-risk neonates. There is good concordance between ASSRs and DOPAEs results among high risk neonates referred for hearing screening. The sensitivity and specificity of this test is sufficient for hearing screening in high risk neonates. This test could be valuable for rapid confirmation of normal thresholds. As long as further research have not been conducted on ASSR, great caution should be made to interpret the results of ASSR as a hearing screening technique in young infants and also additional techniques such as the tone-evoked ABRs should be used to cross-check results. It's still too soon to recommend ASSRs as a standalone electrophysiologic measure of hearing thresholds in infants.     

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。     

40-Hz multiple auditory steady-state responses to narrow-band chirps in sedated and anaesthetized infants

Objective

The general consensus to date has been that a stimulus repetition rate of 40 Hz is not appropriate for the recording of auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) in sedated or anaesthetized infants. The aim of this study was to investigate whether reliable 40-Hz ASSR thresholds can be obtained in sedated infants using narrow-band chirp stimuli in the clinical routine.

Methods

40-Hz auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and 40-Hz ASSR were recorded in 34 infants below the age of 48 months under sedation or under general anaesthesia. ABR were evoked by broad-band chirp stimuli with a flat amplitude spectrum. ASSR were recorded simultaneously from both ears with an adaptive multiple stimulus paradigm using four narrow-band chirps centred at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz. ABR and ASSR thresholds were evaluated to determine differences between the estimates from the two methods.

Results

Despite of sedation and anaesthesia, large wave V amplitudes of the chirp evoked 40-Hz ABR were found at levels as low as 10 dB above the individual ABR threshold. ASSR thresholds for stimulus repetition rates of 40 Hz could be consistently estimated in all 34 infants. Thresholds estimated from the ASSR for the four frequencies of the narrow-band chirps and the threshold derived from the broad-band chirp ABR differ, on average by 3.7 dB for the frequency range of 1000–2000 Hz and 7.1 dB for the frequency range from 2000 to 4000 Hz.

Conclusion

In contrast to the general assumption that 40-Hz ASSR are not appropriate for threshold estimation in infants our results demonstrate that multiple ASSR with a stimulus repetition rate of 40 Hz can be recorded in sedated and anaesthetized infants using narrow-band chirps. Threshold estimates obtained with 40-Hz ASSR are, on average, slightly higher than those obtained with chirp evoked ABR but allow for a frequency specific characterisation of the hearing ability.     

Auditory evoked potentials in premature and full-term infants

Accurate information about type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss are necessary for successful audiological early interventions. Auditory brainstem response with tone burst stimuli (TB ABR) and auditory steady-state response (ASSR) exams provide this information.AimTo analyze the clinical applicability of TB ABR and ASSR at 2 kHz in infants, comparing responses in full-term and premature neonates.Material and MethodThe study was cross-sectional, clinical and experimental. Subjects consisted of 17 premature infants and 19 full-term infants. TB ABR and ASSR exams at 2000 Hz were done during natural sleep.ResultsThe electrophysiological minimum response obtained with TB ABR was 32.4 dBnHL (52.4 dBSPL); the ASSR minimum was 13.8 dBHL (26.4 dBSPL). The exams required 21.1 min and 22 min, respectively. Premature and full-term infant responses showed no statistically significant differences, except for auditory steady-state response duration.ConclusionsBoth exams have clinical applicability at 2 kHz in infants, with 20 min of duration, on average. In general, there are no differences between premature and full-term individuals.     

感音神经性聋成人不同刺激声ASSR反应阈与纯音听阈的相关性分析

目的探讨调制声听性稳态反应(ASSR)、 CE-Chirp ASSR用于评估感音神经性聋成人客观听力的价值。方法对78例(131耳)感音神经性聋成人同时进行纯音听阈和调制声ASSR、 CE-Chirp ASSR测试,比较0.5~4 kHz各频率纯音听阈与调制声ASSR、CE-Chirp ASSR反应阈的相关性及差值。结果 0.5、1、2、4 kHz CE-Chirp ASSR反应阈与纯音听阈的相关系数(分别为0.77、0.73、0.80、0.88)均高于调制声ASSR反应阈与纯音听阈的相关系数(分别为0.64、0.61、0.78、0.84),调制声ASSR、CE-Chirp ASSR反应阈与纯音听阈均具有显著相关性(圴为P<0.01);0.5~4 kHz CE-Chirp ASSR反应阈和纯音听阈的差值(分别为8.09±4.74、10.76±5.86、7.44±7.95、6.11±9.14 dB)均明显小于调制声ASSR反应阈和纯音听阈间的差值(分别为14.31±6.38、13.85±6.25、17.17±6.29、13.58±4.35 dB),差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。结论 CE-Chirp ASSR快捷可靠,较调制声ASSR能更好地评估感音神经性聋成人的听力。     

Auditory sensitivity in children using the auditory steady-state response

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of auditory steady-state response (ASSR) as a measure of hearing sensitivity in young children suspect for significant hearing loss. DESIGN: Within-subject comparisons of click auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and ASSR thresholds. SUBJECTS: The study population comprised 42 children suspect for hearing loss and subsequently referred for hearing assessment using electrophysiologic techniques. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Electrophysiologic threshold responses for click ABR and ASSR stimuli (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) for right and left ears. RESULTS: Based on ABR and ASSR thresholds, 50% of the subjects demonstrated significant hearing loss in the severe to profound range. In some subjects, ASSRs were present at higher stimulus levels when click ABRs were absent. Significant correlations (P<.05) were found between high-frequency ASSR and click ABR thresholds for this study sample. For some subjects, ASSR findings suggested differences between ears that were not observable from the no-response click ABR results. CONCLUSIONS: Auditory steady-state response testing may provide additional information for children who demonstrate hearing levels in the severe to profound range. This information may be helpful when selecting the ear for cochlear implantation for a young hearing-impaired child. Multiple objective methods, such as ABR and ASSR testing, may be needed to determine accurate hearing sensitivity for young children being considered for sensory devices, and in particular, cochlear implants.     

Maturation of bone conduction multiple auditory steady-state responses

The objective of this study was to compare bone-conduction (BC) auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) for infants and adults with normal hearing to investigate the time course of maturation of BC hearing sensitivity. Bone-conduction multiple ASSRs were recorded in 0–11-month-old (n=35), and 12–24-month-old infants (n=13), and adults (n=18). Low-frequency BC ASSR thresholds increased with age, whereas, high-frequency ASSR thresholds were unaffected by age except for a slight improvement at 2000Hz. Compared to adults, BC ASSR amplitudes for young infants were larger for low frequencies, whereas, their amplitudes were smaller or similar for high frequencies. Compared to adults, young infants are much more sensitive to low-frequency BC stimuli, and probably more sensitive to high-frequency BC stimuli; these differences between infants and adults persist until at least two years of age. Different ‘normal levels’ for infants of different ages must be used and are proposed in this study.     

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。     

Maturation of bone conduction multiple auditory steady-state responses

The objective of this study was to compare bone-conduction (BC) auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) for infants and adults with normal hearing to investigate the time course of maturation of BC hearing sensitivity. Bone-conduction multiple ASSRs were recorded in 0-11-month-old (n=35), and 12-24-month-old infants (n=13), and adults (n=18). Low-frequency BC ASSR thresholds increased with age, whereas, high-frequency ASSR thresholds were unaffected by age except for a slight improvement at 2000 Hz. Compared to adults, BC ASSR amplitudes for young infants were larger for low frequencies, whereas, their amplitudes were smaller or similar for high frequencies. Compared to adults, young infants are much more sensitive to low-frequency BC stimuli, and probably more sensitive to high-frequency BC stimuli; these differences between infants and adults persist until at least two years of age. Different 'normal levels' for infants of different ages must be used and are proposed in this study.