SSEP - a New Objective Method forExamination of Hearing

Overview

The purpose of this publication is to evaluate a new technology using Steady - StateEvoked Potentials (SSEPs) for determining frequency - specific hearing impairment in infants andchildren. The authors describe the basic principles of this technique and possibilities of themethodology. The potentials are within the range of the middle latency response (MLR) and arecharacterised by the frequency dependence of the stimulus and evoked potential. The stimulus isamplitude and frequency modulated and is continuous. The computer equipment calculates a frequency specific objective audiogram, and is particularly useful for pediatric audiology. The techni-que evaluates tresholds between 125 - 8000 Hz at intesities of -10 - 130 dB. Early experience showsSSEP is very useful for testing very young and difficult to test individuals with hearing impairment.This method is also extremly useful in paediatric assessments for cochlear implantation due todetection of responses at low intensities. In summary this technique may allow earlier rehabilitationor cochlear implantation.

Key words:
steady state evoked response, objective audiometry, middle latency response.