Mechanical and acoustical influences on spontaneous oto-acoustic emissions.

Spontaneous, tone-like emissions produced by normal ears and measured in the closed outer ear canal can be affected by mechanical and acoustical events. Such effects can be measured in steady-state conditions as well as for transient stimulation, and are seen in response to the stapedius reflex, to ear canal air pressure changes, and to the presentation of external tones. Frequency and level of the emissions follow certain characteristics which are described and discussed. The emissions seem to react with 2 ms delay and with an exponential rise and decay, the time constant of which is about 13 ms.