title: Estimations of auditory sensitivity for young cochlear implant candidates using the ASSR: preliminary results.
abstract: This paper presents preliminary results obtained with the use of the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) technique as part of a cochlear implant candidacy assessment protocol for infants Fifteen infants (30 ears), between 10 and 60 months of age, with severe-to-profound hearing loss participated in the study. ASSR measurements were performed for 0.5, 1, 2 and 4kHz at intensities up to 120-128dB HL. The ASSR thresholds were obtained in 74%, of the measurements, and exceeded the maximum auditory brainstem response (ABR) intensity output in 91% of cases and the maximum free-field behavioral intensity output in 84% of cases. Eighty-seven per cent of ASSR threshold measurements were measured at intensities of 100dB HL or higher, and almost half (47%) were measured at intensities of 115 dB HL and higher. Preliminary results indicate that absent ABR and behavioral thresholds do not preclude the possibility of residual hearing, making the ASSR a primary source of information regarding profound levels of hearing loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. dswanepoel@postino.up.ac.za
authors.forename: DeWet
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Swanepoel
authors.forename: René
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hugo
mesh_terms: D001307:Auditory Perception; D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome