Comparing pure-tone audiometry and auditory steady state response for the measurement of hearing loss

Objective: To compare pure-tone audiometry and auditory steady state response (ASSR) to measure hearing loss based on the severity of hearing loss in frequencies. Study Design and Setting: A total of 105 subjects (168 ears, 64 male and 41 female) were enrolled in this study. We determined hearing level by measurement of pure-tone audiometry and ASSR on the same day for each subject. Results: Pure-tone audiometry and ASSR were highly correlated (r = 0.96). The relationship is described by the equation PTA = 1.05 x mean ASSR - 7.6. When analyzed according to the frequencies, the correlation coefficients were 0.94, 0.95, 0.94, and 0.92 for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, respectively. Conclusion: From this study, authors could conclude that pure-tone audiometry and ASSR showed very similar results and indicated that ASSR may be a good alternative method for the measurement of hearing level in infants and children, for whom pure-tone audiometry is not appropriate. (C) 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.