ABSTRACT
Otoacoustic emissions have been used as an objective and noninvasive test of cochlear function. Due to its ease of use, accuracy, and test-retest reliability, otoacoustic emissions testing is considered an excellent tool for evaluating difficult-to-test patients. This project involved screening infants at high risk of congenital hearing loss. These infants were selected from the Special Infant Clinic at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario. The first part of this project was to establish a distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) "norm" as the reference for this group of patients. A prospective study was then conducted to compare DPOAE and auditory brainstem response (ABR) as screening tools for this group of patients. Auditory brainstem response has been the gold standard for evaluating the hearing status of these infants. We will also present our experience in testing over 50 patients at high risk of congenital hearing loss using DPOAEs.
Subject(s)
Audiometry, Evoked Response/methods , Hearing Disorders/diagnosis , Neonatal Screening , Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous , Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem , Humans , Infant , Infant, NewbornABSTRACT
A native audiological technician is performing a useful service in the James Bay area. Major shortcomings in data gathering and supervision are being addressed, so that we may monitor quantity and quality of work more closely. Audiological supervision is considered to be particularly important, and has been upgraded. Telecommunication is being installed in the near future, and clerical assistance for the technician introduced.
Subject(s)
Audiology , Indians, North American , Adolescent , Adult , Audiology/methods , Child , Ear Diseases/diagnosis , Ear Diseases/therapy , Humans , Ontario , WorkforceABSTRACT
Diabetic patients have longer interpeak latencies in the brainstem auditory evoked responses than age-matched controls. The delay is not related to clinical hearing loss or blood glucose level at time of testing. Since waves I and II are normal in latency, the conduction velocity of the eighth nerve is not involved. The delay occurs between waves II and V, which would reflect altered transmission times in auditory brainstem and midbrain structures, and suggests the presence of a central neuropathy in patients with diabetes.
