An efficient test protocol for identification of a limited, sensitive frequency test range for early detection of ototoxicity.

A primary focus of research at the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR) has been to develop methodology for rapid and efficient early detection of ototoxicity. It has been shown that an individualized, limited frequency range can be identified, which is sensitive to early ototoxic changes in the auditory system. In this study, a rapid identification protocol for identifying the uppermost target frequency within this sensitive range of ototoxicity (SRO) was investigated. In 36 of 42 ears, the target frequency found with the rapid identification protocol was the same as that found with the full-frequency baseline testing. Where differences occurred, target frequencies obtained by the two methods did not differ by more than one-half octave. This rapid identification protocol results in considerable time savings in ototoxicity monitoring, which will result in the capability to include more patients in a monitoring program.