Repeatability of Transiently Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions in Normally Hearing Humans

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Abstract
Transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) were stimulated using clicks. Responses were measured in each ear of 10 adult subjects during three test sessions separated by 3-day intervals. The purpose was to determine the amount of short-term variability in the amplitude of the emissions when measured under similar test conditions. For each of two modes of determining the stimulus level, mean overall response levels varied approximately 1 dB with repeated measurements. The spectra of the responses were analyzed in discrete frequency bands from 0.7 to 5.8 kHz. Response energy peaked at 1.2 kHz and was reduced markedly above 4 kHz. Variability within individual spectral bands was approximately 1 dB from 0.9 to 4.1 kHz and was slightly greater for 0.7 kHz. The amplitude of TEOAEs is stable over successive short-term measurements. The technique can be used as a sensitive means of monitoring cochlear function.