Normal acoustic reflex amplitude growth and the influence of cochlear hearing loss

Abstract

The nature of acoustic reflex amplitude ARA growth at 1KHz and 2kHz was investigated in normal hearing and cochlear disordered subjects subdivided into Meniere's Disease and heterogeneous pathology groups. Statistical and graphical analyses revealed significant inter-group variation ARA growth rate. The normal and Meniere's groups behave similarly, while the heterogeneous group demonstrated a faster ARA growth rate. The differential sensitivity of various measurement methods was examined. Explanations were put forward to account for variability in ARA data amongst cochlear disorder subjects. It was concluded that the clinical sensitivity of ARA measurement was questionable.