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. 2020 Dec;72(4):497-502.
doi: 10.1007/s12070-020-02002-9. Epub 2020 Aug 6.

Acoustic Reflexes in Individuals Having Hyperacusis of the Auditory Origin

Udit Saxena  1   2 , Bhanu Pratap Singh  3 , S B Rathna Kumar  4 , Gish Chacko  1 , K N S V Bharath  5
Affiliations

Acoustic Reflexes in Individuals Having Hyperacusis of the Auditory Origin

Udit Saxena et al. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Functional role of the acoustic reflex in preventing over stimulation of the inner auditory system by decreasing sound intensity along with the previous reports of acoustic reflex abnormalities in individuals having hyperacusis point towards the involvement of acoustic reflex deficit in the origin of hyperacusis especially when any medical condition leading to hyperacusis is not associated. However this issue remains contradictory owing to limited comprehensive investigation. This study was undertaken to ascertain the relationship between hyperacusis and the acoustic reflex. Threshold, amplitude and latency of the acoustic reflex were measured in two different groups of individuals having hyperacusis; Group 1: 14 individuals having hyperacusis with hearing loss (HwHL) and Group 2: 17 individuals having hyperacusis without hearing loss (HwoHL). Control group (Group 3) consisted of 15 normal hearing individuals who never experienced hyperacusis. Result showed a significant group effect on all the measured characteristics of the acoustic reflex. ARTs were found to be significantly higher in HwHL and HwoHL when compared to NHwoH. ARTs were statistically similar for HwoHL and NHwoH. HwoHL's ARAs and ARLs were significantly smaller and prolonged, respectively, when compared to HwHL and NHwoH. HwHL and NHwoH had statistically similar ARAs and ARLs. This study confirms acoustic reflex abnormalities in some individuals having hyperacusis with or without hearing loss. It further highlight the importance of involving acoustic reflex testing in the assessment of hyperacusis especially when hyperacusis is not associated with hearing loss or any other medical condition that may lead to hyperacusis.

Keywords: Acoustic reflexes; Amplitude; Hyperacusis; Latency; Threshold.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Show mean ART (unfilled triangles) in HwHL, HwoHL and NHwoH. Individual ART of all the participants is represented by open circles. Dashed lines represent 1-standard deviation with reference to NHwoH (control group)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Show mean ARA (unfilled triangles) in HwHL, HwoHL and NHwoH. Individual ARA of all the participants is represented by open circles. Dashed lines represent 1-standard deviation with reference to NHwoH (control group)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Show mean ARL (unfilled triangles) in HwHL, HwoHL and NHwoH. Individual ARL of all the participants is represented by open circles. Dashed lines represent 1-standard deviation with reference to NHwoH (control group)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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