What does acoustic reflex threshold measure?
What does acoustic reflex threshold measure?
An acoustic reflex threshold is a middle ear measurement of stapedius muscle response to higher intensity and adequate duration sounds for individual frequencies. Acoustic reflex thresholds generally are determined in response to stimuli of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz.
What does the acoustic reflex test?
Acoustic Reflex Measures A tiny muscle in the middle ear tightens when you hear a loud sound. If your hearing loss is very bad, you may not even have a reflex. This test is like tympanometry. The sounds will come through a probe in your ear.
What causes an acoustic reflex and which muscle is responsible for it?
This reflex, sometimes referred to as the acoustic reflex, is a contraction of the stapedial muscle in the middle ear, which is elicited by high-level sounds, especially those of low frequency.
What are the two cranial nerves involved in the acoustic reflex?
The acoustic reflex involves sound-elicited middle ear muscle contraction via a neural chain comprising the eighth nerve, cochlear nucleus, superior olivary complex, and ipsi- and contralateral medial facial nerve motoneurons. Acoustic reflexes are recorded using a tympanometer.
What should I know about acoustic reflex threshold?
Students studying audiological testing enter the clinic with varying degrees of competency regarding the interpretation of acoustic reflex threshold (ART) test results.
How are acoustic immittance measures used in acoustic reflex testing?
In acoustic reflex testing, acoustic immittance measures are used to assess the neural pathway surrounding the stapedial reflex, which occurs in response to a loud sound (70 to 90dB above threshold). 10 The afferent limb of the stapedial reflex is the ipsilateral eighth nerve, which leads to the brainstem.
What happens to your hearing during reflex testing?
During acoustic reflex testing loud tones are presented to each ear individually. The tones are also brief, usually not uncomfortable, and will not damage your hearing. Once reflex threshold testing is completed, one or two longer, louder tones may be presented to each ear.
What are the acoustic thresholds for hearing loss?
In the case of sensorineural hearing loss, the resulting acoustic responses will be dependent on the degree of hearing loss. For hearing losses less than about 50 dB HL, there generally will be no change in the acoustic reflex response. For thresholds between about 50 and 80 dB HL, acoustic reflex responses may be elevated.