Routine Use Of Electrocochleography (Cochlear Audiometry On Human Subjects

Abstract

Owing to dissatisfaction with behavioral hearing tests in infants, newer techniques have been developed based on the recording of cochlear action potentials in man. In this laboratory, good results are obtained using and earlobe clip electrode, due to reluctance to use electrode placement procedures in infants as employed by other authors (perforation of tympanic membrane or needle in skin of external meatus). The contribution of various reference electrode locations to the recorded response is also demonstrated. The usefulness of this technique in diagnosis of hearing impairment in 57 infants and children with suspected hearing loss or uncertain diagnosis is shown.

Key Words:

• Electric response audiometry
• Cochlear action potentials
• Brain potentials
• Detection of hearing impairment in children