time-resolved distorsion-product otoacoustic emissions

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In audiometry, an objective, sensitive and specific method for evaluation of dysfunctions of the inner ear is required. Estimation of hearing threshold using extrapolation of I/O functions of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) is one such method. Unfortunately, interaction of two source contributions from different places in the cochlea lead to a so-called fine structure which introduces errors in the threshold estimations in the manner as they are used to date. Methods to suppress DPOAE fine structure currently under investigation in hearing research are either too time consuming to become part of clinical praxis, or they are not suited for the recording of I/O functions and therefore not applicable for threshold estimation.Pulsed DPOAE offer the possibility to suppress fine structure within acceptable measuring time. Therefore, pulsed DPOAE shall be developed to clinical practicability. We expect that with this technique assessment of the state of the inner ear will be possible with considerably reduced uncertainty. This is of interest for basic research because in humans application of invasive investigations used in animal experiments can not be performed. Moreover, a clinically applicable method to reduce the uncertainty of estimations of the state of the cochlea offers new perspectives for diagnostic and therapy of adult patients, but especially childs and newborns.