The acoustic reflex in diagnostic audiology: from Metz to present.

In 1946, Metz described what was probably the first practical impedance bridge for measurement of the acoustic reflex. Over the next four decades, diagnostic use of the acoustic reflex progressed in parallel with instrumentation refinements. Today, acoustic reflex threshold and decay testing are a routine component of the diagnostic audiology test battery. Recent advances in the measurement of suprathreshold latency and amplitude have further enhanced the diagnostic value of acoustic reflex measurement.