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

Abstract

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 × 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. © 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.