[Intra- and intersubject variability of acoustically evoked otoacoustic emissions. I. Transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions].
BACKGROUND
Acoustically evoked otoacoustic emissions are becoming increasingly significant in the clinical monitoring of cochlear function in adults. Any interpretation of these measurements in a clinical setting must consider their intra- and intersubject variability.


METHODS
Transiently evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) measurements were performed in 32 normally hearing adults in three weekly test sessions. Each ear was tested twice per session, and the results were statistically analyzed.


RESULTS
All test candidates had measurable TEOAEs. Statistically significant differences in TEOAE amplitudes were neither found between two measurements at the same day, nor at weekly intervals. No statistically significant amplitude differences were found between right and left ear of the same candidate. TEOAE amplitudes in women were always higher than in men with statistically significant differences in the 2, 3, and 4 kHz frequency band.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that monitoring of the inner ear status can be reliably performed using TEOAE measurements. Changes in TEOAE amplitudes effectively indicate changes in the cochlear function.
Dieler
R
R
Bayerische Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkranke.
Shehata-Dieler
W E
WE
Klagges
T
T
Moser
L M
LM
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D003051:Cochlea / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006320:Hearing Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D017084:Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous / Q000502:physiology*; D012737:Sex Factors
Intra- und interindividuelle Variabilität akustisch evozierter otoakustischer Emissionen. I. Transitorisch evozierte otoakustische Emissionen.