Steady state audiometry
Main Article Content
Keywords
Steady state audiometry, auditive evaluation, electrophysiological test, sensorineural hypoacusia
Abstract
The use of electrophysiological tests has been a useful tool in the auditory evaluation of hypoacusia patients non-susceptible to evaluation with behavioral audiological tests. Steady state audiometry (SSA) is a recently developed test that, by means of stimulation with amplitude and frequency modulated tones, evokes an electroencephalogram response detected by computer processing techniques. This technique allows for a frequency-specific evaluation of the audiogram, which is especially useful in patients that are being considered for cochlear implant. Current methods show a good correlation with the behavioral audiogram in patients with severe hypoacusia, but with a higher threshold difference in patients with normal audition. SSA constitutes a useful tool to complement the audiological test batteries currently used. However, new protocols with improved test accuracy are still needed.
