Effect of sensorineural hearing loss on the stapedius reflex growth function in the elderly

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effect of sensorineural hearing loss upon stapedius reflex growth functions was studied in the elderly. The reflex activators were pure tones (500, 1000 and 2000 Hz) and broadband noise; reflex magnitude was expressed in dB relative to static ascoustic impedance. When expressed in dB relative to reflex threshold, the mean growth functions of the elderly were reduced compared to young subjects [Silman, Popelka and Gelfand] and the noise functions differed in shape and magnitude. When expressed in SPL [sound pressure level] the mean growth functions of the normal hearing elderly demonstrated saturation at high activator levels; saturation was not observed in the mean growth functions of the hearing loss subjects. In the normal elderly saturation was frequency dependent. The saturation effect is discussed in terms of energy integration of the reflex response in the aging ear.

This publication has 10 references indexed in Scilit: