Stapedial reflex and ears with high static acoustic admittance.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate modified acoustic reflex diagnostic protocols for a group of individuals (n = 9) with high peak compensated static acoustic admittance (Y(tm)) tympanograms.


METHODS
A modified procedure designed to improve acoustic stapedius reflex threshold (ASRT) measurements in individuals with high-admittance tympanograms was employed in both an experimental and a control group. ASRTs were measured at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 kHz, ipsilateral and contralateral. Measurements were obtained within each condition for 7 ear canal pressures that were set to 0, +/-50, +/-100, and +/-150 daPa (relative to tympanometric peak pressure [TPP]).


RESULTS
Though measuring ASRTs at -50 daPa (relative to TPP) in the high-admittance and normal groups did not result in significantly better thresholds than at TPP, the absent reflex rate was reduced when the ear canal pressure was changed by -50 daPa during ASRT measurements.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this sample, it is suggested that a patient presenting with high peak compensated static acoustic admittance (peak Y(tm) > or = 2.1 mmho) undergo ASRT evaluation with the ear canal pressure set to -50 daPa (relative to TPP).
DiGiovanni
Jeffrey J
JJ
School of Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA. digiovan@ohio.edu
Ries
Dennis T
DT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001302:Audiometry, Speech; D004423:Ear / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D013061:Speech Acoustics; D013067:Speech Perception; D013198:Stapedius / Q000502:physiology*