Wideband reflectance in newborns with present transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions

Abstract

Purpose: To characterize the normal values of acoustic energy reflectance obtained with pure-tone stimulation in neonates prior to hospital discharge.

Methods: Seventy-seven infants (37 girls and 40 boys) were evaluated by measuring acoustic reflectance using pure-tone stimuli, transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometric probe frequencies of 226 Hz and 1 kHz.

Results: At low frequencies (258-750 Hz), greater energy reflectance was observed, while at medium frequencies (1-3 kHz), greater energy absorption was observed. There was no difference between ears or between genders.

Conclusion: Normal energy reflectance values were obtained for the studied population. The data indicate a reflectance curve with a distinct configuration for the studied age.