The accuracy of dichotic multiple frequency auditory steady state in predicting pure-tone
thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4.0 kHz compared to an ABR protocol (click and tone burst
at 0.5 kHz) were explored in a group of 25 hearing-impaired subjects across the degree
and configuration spectrum. Mean steady state thresholds were within 14, 18, 15, and
14 dB of the pure tones at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, compared to the tone-burst ABR at
0.5 kHz pure-tone difference of 24 dB, and a click-evoked pure-tone (2–4 kHz) difference
of 9 dB. Recording time for the steady state protocol was 28 minutes (+/-11) compared
to 24 minutes (+/- 9) of the ABR protocol. Degree of loss had a significant effect
on steady state; configuration of hearing loss had a limited effect. Mf ASSR predicted
thresholds with relative accuracy although some configurations showed discrepancies
for low-frequency estimates.
Key Words
Auditory brainstem response - dichotic multiple frequency steady state - hearing loss
- threshold prediction
