Acoustic stapedial reflex in normal adults: biological behavior and determination of threshold levels.
OBJECTIVE
To record acoustic reflex thresholds for admittance (Y) and its components, susceptance (B) and conductance (G) in healthy subjects and to establish normative data.


METHODS
Acoustic reflex threshold was determined in 100 healthy persons, divided into 5 age groups of 20 persons each (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-69 years old). Detection was performed for Y, B, and G at 226-, 678- and 1,000-Hz probe tones, using 500-, 1,000-, 2,000- and 4,000-Hz stimuli.


RESULTS
Statistically significant differences in acoustic reflex thresholds were revealed between different components, stimuli and tones. The lowest threshold level was recorded for Y at 226 Hz using stimulus 1,000 Hz. Four percent missing values were observed at 226 Hz. Subjects belonging to different age groups had different reflex thresholds.


CONCLUSIONS
Inclusion of acoustic reflex detection for B and G offers more detailed information about the middle ear status compared with Y alone, and appears to be sensitive in detecting subtle diseases.
Ferekidou
Elisa
E
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Eleftheriadou
Anna
A
Zarikas
V
V
Kandiloros
Dimitrios
D
Yiotakis
Ioannis
I
Ferekidis
Eleftherios
E
Korres
Stavros
S
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D004056:Differential Threshold; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012022:Reflex, Acoustic / Q000502:physiology*; D013198:Stapedius / Q000502:physiology*