Influence of contralateral stimulation by two-tone complexes, narrow-band and broad-band noise signals on the 2f1-f2 distortion product otoacoustic emission levels in humans.
In order to test the frequency specificity of the efferent suppressive effect on otoacoustic emissions, changes in the 2f1-f2 distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) levels induced by contralateral stimuli of different spectra were measured in 10 normally hearing adults. Three types of contralateral stimuli were used: (i) a set of 6 pairs of pure tones with the same frequencies as used for DPOAE stimulation; (ii) 6 narrow-band noise signals with cut-off frequencies equal to the frequencies of the primary tones used for DPOAE stimulation; and (iii) broad-band noise with a bandwidth of 840-6,000 Hz. A small suppressive effect was observed mainly in the mid-frequency region. Broad-band noise was more effective at suppressing DPOAEs than narrow-band noises and two-tone complexes. Occasionally, small enhancements in DPOAE amplitudes were observed. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that DPOAE changes induced by contralateral stimuli are not frequency-specific, and are too small to have routine clinical value.
Lisowska
Grazyna
G
Second ENT Department of the Silesian Medical Academy, Zabrze, Poland.
Smurzynski
Jacek
J
Morawski
Krzysztof
K
Namyslowski
Grzegorz
G
Probst
Rudolf
R
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001306:Auditory Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D003056:Cochlear Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D004525:Efferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009433:Neural Inhibition; D009847:Olivary Nucleus / Q000502:physiology; D017084:Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous / Q000502:physiology*