Seminars in Hearing Research

Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025

Location: Nelson 1215

Time: Noon - 1:00 pm

Speaker:  Elizabeth Marie Jensen, AuD Student, SLHS, 

Title: Enhancing the Specificity of Clinical Middle-Ear Muscle Reflex Measures.

Abstract:  The middle-ear muscle reflex (MEMR) is assessed in audiology clinics as a cross-check with other measures in the test battery or to rule out retro cochlear pathologies. Reflexes are measured by recording the change in middle-ear admittance using a low-frequency probe tone, typically 226 Hz, in response to a high-level tone or broadband reflex elicitor. However, because each ear is unique and different pathologies can impact the impedance of the middle ear, the probe frequency that shows the greatest change in response to the MEMR for each individual may not always be near 226 Hz. Specifically, individuals presenting with absent reflexes or elevated reflex thresholds with a 226 Hz probe may exhibit more robust MEMR-related changes with a different probe stimulus. The specificity of the MEMR may thus be enhanced with other probe tones or, more efficiently, with a wideband probe like clicks. This study investigates the effect of probe stimulus on MEMR thresholds. Results suggest use of a wideband probe for MEMR measurements may more accurately and efficiently capture reflex thresholds. Although WB-MEMR is not available in most clinics, our results suggest other probe tones, such as 678 Hz, should be used to determine whether the MEMR is absent in patients where retro cochlear pathology is suspected. Ultimately, these results can reduce the medical burden of over referring for imaging procedures and the emotional strain on patients.

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The working schedule is available here: https://purdue.edu/TPAN/hearing/shrp_schedule

The titles and abstracts of the talks will be added here: https://purdue.edu/TPAN/hearing/shrp_abstracts