Evoked-response audibility curve of the chinchilla

Abstract

The audibility curve of the chinchilla was measured on 76 animals using the auditory evoked response (AER). The standard behavioral measures of sensitivity and the AER measures are shown to agree within an average of 5 dB through the 0.25 to 8 kHz range. Furthermore, the AER is shown to reflect temporary and permanent partial losses of hearing due to noise exposure. It is concluded that the AER is a useful index of auditory sensitivity for the brief tones of the order of 20-msec duration.