J R Hof1, P van Dijk, M N Chenault, L J C Anteunis. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands. jhof@skno.azm.nl
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are widely used for assessing congenital and early-acquired sensorineural hearing loss in young children. Middle ear pathology has a negative effect on the presence of OAEs. In this study we investigated whether measuring OAEs at compensated middle ear pressure (CMEP) resulted in a higher pass rate than at ambient pressure. Secondly, we analysed the influence of 12 different pass definitions on the pass rates. METHODS: One hundred and eleven children (age 1-7 years, mean 4 years and 5 months) were measured twice in one session: first at ambient pressure and then at CMEP. RESULTS: The study showed a higher pass rate of OAEs at CMEP than at ambient pressure. A two-step scenario reduced the number of fails by 18-26%, depending on the pass/fail definition used. CONCLUSION: Measuring OAEs at CMEP results in higher pass rates. Secondly, pass/fail definitions have a large influence on pass rates and this issue deserves further attention. Further studies must be done, before this method is readily applicable to universal neonatal screening.
OBJECTIVE: Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are widely used for assessing congenital and early-acquired sensorineural hearing loss in young children. Middle ear pathology has a negative effect on the presence of OAEs. In this study we investigated whether measuring OAEs at compensated middle ear pressure (CMEP) resulted in a higher pass rate than at ambient pressure. Secondly, we analysed the influence of 12 different pass definitions on the pass rates. METHODS: One hundred and eleven children (age 1-7 years, mean 4 years and 5 months) were measured twice in one session: first at ambient pressure and then at CMEP. RESULTS: The study showed a higher pass rate of OAEs at CMEP than at ambient pressure. A two-step scenario reduced the number of fails by 18-26%, depending on the pass/fail definition used. CONCLUSION: Measuring OAEs at CMEP results in higher pass rates. Secondly, pass/fail definitions have a large influence on pass rates and this issue deserves further attention. Further studies must be done, before this method is readily applicable to universal neonatal screening.
Authors: Douglas H Keefe; M Patrick Feeney; Lisa L Hunter; Denis F Fitzpatrick; Chris A Sanford Journal: J Acoust Soc Am Date: 2018-01 Impact factor: 1.840