Sweep frequency impedance measurements for evaluation of middle ear function in young infants

Abstract

This thesis investigates sweep frequency impedance (SFI) measurements for evaluation of middle ear function in young infants. The thesis is presented as a series of published papers in international journals. The thesis consists of seven chapters each with a different focus of research. The seven chapters are described as follows:Chapter 1 provides a review of the literature on, false positive responses in newborn hearing screening (NHS) program, external/middle ear dysfunction in newborns and young infants, overview of currently available audiological and non-audiological diagnostic tools for the assessment of outer and middle ear functions in young infants, and the background of current situation of SFI measurements, knowledge gaps and research questions.Chapter 2 investigates the feasibility of testing neonates using the SFI technique and development of clinical norms for SFI measures in healthy neonates. This study has been