Fast method for psychophysical tuning curve measurement in school-age children

The 'fast' method for measuring psychophysical tuning curves (PTC) uses a masker that sweeps across frequency and a Bekesy threshold tracking procedure. The fast-PTC procedure has been recommended as a technique for diagnosing cochlear dead regions in adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fast-PTC procedure in children. Twelve normal-hearing children (7-10 years old) and five adults were tested. The fast-PTCs were measured for 1000 and 4000 Hz signals using ascending and descending masker sweeps. Measurements were repeated on a separate day to assess test-retest variability. All children were able to perform the task; however it was possible to define the tip in only 87% of the fast-PTCs. Although the variability in tip frequency was higher for children, the mean difference between children and adults was not statistically significant. As expected, the difference on retest was higher for children. Studies investigating the use of the fast-PTC procedure with hearing-impaired children are warranted.