Exploring Optimal Stimulus Frequency Ratio for Measurement of the Quadratic f 2 –f 1 Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission in Humans

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Abstract
Purpose: Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are a by-product of active cochlear processes that lead to the compressive nonlinearity of healthy ears. The most commonly studied emission is at the frequency 2f 1 –f 2 , but there has been recent interest in using the quadratic distortion product at the frequency f 2 –f 1 to detect cochleopathies including endolymphatic hydrops. Before the DPOAE at f 2 –f 1 can be applied clinically in any capacity, optimal stimulus parameters for its elicitation must be established. Method: We investigated stimulus parameters for the DPOAEs at f 2 –f 1 and 2f 1 –f 2 in 23 adults with normal hearing. Logarithmically swept tones between approximately 0.6 and 20 kHz (L 1 = L 2 = 70 dB SPL) served as the higher frequency stimulus (f 2 ). DPOAEs were measured for 6 f 2 /f 1 ratios: 1.14, 1.18, 1.22, 1.30, 1.32, and 1.36. Results: Both DPOAEs were consistently measurable. In line with previous investigations, the highest levels of the DPOAE at 2f 1 –f 2 were generated between f 2 /f 1 ratios of 1.14–1.22, with a peak in the level ratio function at 1.22. In contrast, f 2 –f 1 was less influenced by ratio, although the narrowest ratio (1.14) produced slightly higher levels across frequency. Conclusion: The DPOAE at f 2 –f 1 is measurable in individuals with normal hearing up to f 2 of 20 kHz at narrow f 2 /f 1 ratios. Measurements at additional stimulus levels and in subjects with hearing impairment will be needed before clinical implementation.

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