The Quantification of Pure-tone Audiograms and Auditory Brain Stem Evoked Responses Using Mathematical Modeling Procedures

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The relationship between quantified pure-tone audiometric variables (namely, pure-tone audiometric slope and the degree of hearing loss) and the slope of the wave V L-l (latency-intensity) function of the ABR was investigated. The influence of loudness recruitment on the relationship between audiogram slope and the wave V L-l slope was also studied. Fifty-five ears were selected and divided into two groups (a positive Metz group consisting of 35 ears and a negative Metz group comprising 20 ears) for statistical analyses. The results of the study indicated no significant relationship between the audiogram variables and the slope of the wave V L-l function. However, a significant relationship emerged between the degree of hearing loss and the slope of the L-1 function. The results also suggested that neither loudness recruitment nor audiometric configuration influenced the slope of the L-I function.