D. D. Shirabaikina

To identify the influence of the stapedius muscle acoustic reflex on the cochlear response amplitude and their mean values (response power) in premature infants. Patients and methods. A total of 355 data sets from 99 infants, divided into 4 gestational age groups, were analyzed. The studies were conducted at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months and included high-frequency impedance measurements, including acoustic reflexometry, and the recording of otoacoustic emissions at the frequency of the distortion product. Results. A moderate correlation was found between the reflex amplitude and the power of the cochlea response in full-term infants (37-40 weeks), primarily at frequencies of 1000 and 2000 Hz, as well as a moderate relationship in the group of infants born at 33-36 weeks of gestation (r = –0.38). The strength of the relationship increased with an increase in the intensity of the applied sound signal from 80 to 100 dB. Conclusion. The obtained data indicate possible disturbances in sound conduction in premature infants, as well as the synchronous spectral development of the nervous system, middle and inner ear, which must be considered when interpreting the results of examinations in children in the first year of life, and especially in premature infants.

Recording the latency of the stapedial muscle acoustic reflex is one of the methods for detecting retrocochlear pathology in adults. There is insufficient literature on the characteristics of recording the latency of the stapedial muscle acoustic reflex in infants. Objective. To study the features of recording the latency of the stapedial muscle acoustic reflex, as well as its indicators in children of the first year of life. Material and methods. 3130 measurements and their combinations obtained during the examination of 416 children were analyzed. Dynamic indicators were taken into account: initial and final latency, initial and final recovery time, and the time of increase and decrease in the latency of the acoustic reflex. The obtained data were subjected to covariance and correlation analysis. Results. Covariance and correlation relationships of some dynamic indicators of the latency of the acoustic reflex, as well as their dependence on the gestational age, age, and intensity of the presented tone, were revealed. Conclusion. Reflexometry in children born before 32 weeks of gestation should be performed after 9 months of life, and after 33 weeks, starting from 6 months of life.