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Introduction Measurement of the electrically-evoked stapedial reflex threshold (ESRT) is an objective tool used to set the comfort levels in pediatric cochlear implant (PCI) users. The levels of ESRT have a strong correlation with comfort levels. However, the clinical utility of ESRT is limited because the ESRT response is not observed in all cochlear implant users. Objective To assess the effects of probe-tone frequency on ESRT and its relationship with the behavioral comfort levels in PCI users. Methods A total of 14 PCI users aged between 5 and 8 years participated in the study. The ESRT levels were measured using high-frequency probe tones (678 Hz and 1,000 Hz), and the default 226 Hz probe tone. The ESRT was measured with single-electrode stimulation across the three electrode locations (basal [E01]; middle [E11]; and apical [E22]). The ESRT levels measured with different probe tone frequencies were compared with the behavioral comfort levels. Results The mean ESRT levels using 1,000Hz and 678 Hz were lower than those measured using 226 Hz, but there was no main effect of probe-tone frequency (p > 0.05). A significantly high incidence of successful ESRT measurements occurred with higher-frequency probe tone (p < 0.039). Additionally, ESRT using higher probe tones significantly correlated with comfort levels. Conclusion The ESRT with higher probe tones was correlated with behavioral comfort levels and increased the success rate of the measurements. Higher-frequency probe tones may be useful whenever ESRT with 226 Hz is not measurable.

BackgroundDetection and valid measurements of distortion product otoacoustic emissions are not influenced by cochlear status alone, but also by middle-ear status. There is a need to understand the use of ultra-high frequency distortion product otoacoustic emissions in cases of abnormal distortion product otoacoustic emission findings for conventional frequencies related to the middle-ear condition.MethodThe present study investigated distortion product otoacoustic emission input–output functions in conventional and ultra-high frequencies in: 37 adults with chronic suppurative otitis media (clinical group) and 37 adults with normal hearing sensitivity (control group).ResultsThere were significant reductions in distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitude and mean signal-to-noise ratio in the clinical group compared to the control group, especially for conventional frequencies.ConclusionThere was a significant reduction in the rate of ears with measurable distortion product otoacoustic emissions in the clinical group, especially for conventional frequencies. The effect of chronic suppurative otitis media was more pronounced in the conventional frequency range compared to the smaller effect seen in the ultra-high frequency range.

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in early childhood can lead to auditory processing disorders in later life even though the hearing sensitivity has returned to normal. There is a dearth of studies in the literature that have evaluated the auditory processing in children with later onset of CSOM.Material and methods: Auditory processing was measured in terms of frequency discrimination (difference limen frequency, DLF), intensity discrimination (difference limen intensity, DLI), and gap detection threshold (GDT) in 15 children with CSOM of mean age 13 years as well as in 15 normal hearing children of comparable age.Results: An independent t-test was used to gauge the significance between the groups for all three parameters. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) for all three. Conclusion:The results confirm that conductive hearing loss impairs the auditory processing abilities of children with CSOM, even in those aged 9 to 15 years. These findings highlight the importance of early intervention in cases of CSOM.