The mismatch response in normal hearing adults: a performance comparison with stimuli relevant for objective validation of hearing aid fittings

ObjectiveA long-standing observation is that the Mismatch Response (MMR) has the potential to offer a clinically feasible index of sound discrimination. However, findings that positively identify MMRs at the individual level have been mixed, even for those who are normally hearing and who can discriminate sounds behaviourally. This complicates interpretation when an MMR is not observed. The objective of this study was to determine the reliability of the MMR using an optimised paradigm and a range of stimuli relevant to audiological applications in relation to objective verification of hearing aid fittings.DesignMMRs were measured using an optimised 3-deviant paradigm in response to a range of sounds designed for aided and unaided sound field assessments, including complex tones (CTs) and speech-like signals.Study sampleSeventeen normally hearing adults (18-56 years).ResultsThe most robust MMRs were recorded in response to CTs; responses were positively identified in 50 out of 51 instances (98%), assessed via objective Hotelling's T-2 bias-free statistical analyses.ConclusionsThe results indicate that CTs in conjunction with optimised recording and analysis parameters offer the potential to elicit robust MMRs, supporting future utilisation of MMRs for clinical audiological applications.