Rapid Threshold Estimation using the “Chained-Stimuli” Technique for Auditory Brain Stem Response Measurement

Abstract

The "chained-stimuli" technique for rapid auditory brain stem response (ABR) threshold estimation involves lengthening the averaging time window and presenting a series ('khain") of click stimuli. Each stimulus chain contains, in addition to a silent interval, click stimuli of 10,20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 dB nHL that are separated by 10 msec intervals. Using this method, the single averaged response to the chained-stimulus contains up to seven individual ABRs. The responses elicited by each level of click stimulus within the chain can be analyzed separately. In this study, chained-stimuli ABR threshold estimations for normal hearers were essentially equivalent to those obtained using an automated conventional ABR method. The data for a seven point latency-intensity function using the chained-stimuli technique were obtained in a mean time of only 8 min per ear (Ear Hear 12 4:229-234).

On The Benefits of Using Chained Stimuli for Frequency-Specific ABR Acquisition

“…Our study used slightly adapted (but more clinically applicable) rates for the nonchained stimuli, and so our findings are more in line with studies that used higher presentation rates (e.g., Hamill, Hussung, & Sammeth, 1991).…”

“…There is scope to combine aspects of other chained-stimuli, perhaps adaptively including various intensity components in a manner similar to increasing-intensity click sequences (Hamill et al, 1991;Hamill et al, 1992).…”

The Use of a 56-Stimulus Train for the Rapid Acquisition of Auditory Brainstem Responses

“…Studies using multiple-intensity clicks and tone bursts have demonstrated time savings in the acquisition of cochlear and brainstem responses [Spoor, 1974;Hamill et al, 1991Hamill et al, , 1992Hoke et al, 1991]. Although adaptation appeared to have been minimal, some questions remain because the direct comparison of responses obtained from single and multiple stimulus presentations has only been reported for clicks [Hamill et al, 1992] and tone bursts separated by 1 octave [Mitchell et al, 1996].…”

“…The clinical application of auditory brainstem response (ABR) is often limited by the practical length of a test session [Mitchell and Clemis, 1977;Jerger et al, 1985;Burkard et al, 1990a;Hamill et al, 1991;Mitchell et al, 1996]. Conventional test sessions (without sedation or anesthesia) have a limit of about 1 h. This greatly limits the number of averaged responses that can be obtained and the range of frequencies and intensities that may be examined.…”

“…Multiple stimulus sequences of clicks and tone bursts have been used to increase the time efficiency when obtaining cochlear and brainstem responses [Spoor, 1974;Eggermont et al, 1976;Hoke et al, 1991;Hamill et al, 1991Hamill et al, , 1992Mitchell et al, 1996]. Only in some cases has it been documented that response adaptation was avoided [Hamill et al, 1992;Mitchell, 1991;Mitchell et al, 1996].…”