Validity and accuracy of electric response audiometry using the auditory steady-state response: Evaluation in an empirical design

Abstract

The validity and accuracy of the application of the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) to electric response audiometry (ERA) was tested further in a study permitting subjects to be their own controls for hearing loss. Simulated sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) of complex configuration and varying degrees was effected using filtered masking noise. Thresholds estimated via ASSR-ERA were compared to those measured via conventional pure-tone audiometry. Further, the slow vertex potential N1–P2 was recorded to permit a comparison with an evoked-response test of common content validity and known accuracy. Results in a homogeneous subject sample demonstrated strong intertest correlation and agreement within 10 dB at 1000 to 4000 Hz (on average), but not at 500 Hz. The configurations determined by ASSR-ERA followed behavioral audiometric patterns well, except for the mildest degree of SSHL tested. Consequently, limitations of ERA remain, although ASSR-ERA appears to be quite valid overall and promises (justifiably) broad clinical applicability.

• Pure-tone audiometry
• Evoked response audiometry
• Slow vertex potential/slow cortical potential
• Auditory steady-state response
• Simulated sensorineural hearing loss

Abbreviations
ERA	=	electric response audiometry
AEPs	=	auditory evoked potentials
PTA	=	pure-tone audiometry
SVP	=	slow vertex potentials
ASSR	=	auditory steady-state response
SSNHL	=	simulated sensorineural hearing loss
VDL	=	visual detection limit

Abbreviations
ERA	=	electric response audiometry
AEPs	=	auditory evoked potentials
PTA	=	pure-tone audiometry
SVP	=	slow vertex potentials
ASSR	=	auditory steady-state response
SSNHL	=	simulated sensorineural hearing loss
VDL	=	visual detection limit

Sumario

Se probó la validez y la precisión de las respuestas auditivas de estado estable- en una audiometría por respuestas eléctricas (ERA)- en un estudio en el que los sujetos fueron sus propios controles. Se realizó un efecto de hipoacusia sensorineural simulada (SSHL) de configuración compleja por medio de ruido filtrado de enmascaramiento. Se comparó la estimación de umbrales por medio de ASSR-ERA con los medidos en una audiometría convencional. Incluso, se grabó el potencial lento de vértex N1-P2 para permitir una comparación una prueba por respuestas evocadas de validez común y precisión conocida. Los resultados en una muestra homogénea demostraron una fuerte correlación entre pruebas y una coincidencia de alrededor de 10dB en 1 a 4000 kHz (en promedio), pero no a 500 kHz. Las configuraciones de ASSR-ERA coincidieron con los patrones audiométricos, excepto por el grado más leve de SSHL. Consecuentemente, aun hay limitaciones en ERA, aunque al parecer ASSR-ERA es bastante válido en general y promete (justificadamente) una aplicabilidad clínica amplia.