Perstimulatory Suprathreshold Adaptation

Abstract

Perstimulatory suprathreshold adaptation was studied on 30 otosclerotic and 40 chronic ears, using the decrease in loudness level of a pure tone as a criterion. The comparison tone was interrupted, the pulses and free intervals were each of 200 msec duration. Measurements were carried out at 60 dB sensation levels for frequencies 1000–4000 Hz. The prestimulatory balance levels were higher than in normal-hearing ears. Adaptation was of equal amount as in normal ears and could be classified into three different types. In conductively deaf children adaptation could be demonstrated only exceptionally.