Effects of restricting maximum possible intensity on auditory steady-state responses

Auditory steady-state response (ASSR) has widespread usage in the clinical hearing assessment of infants and young children. The present study evaluated the effect of restricting maximum possible intensity to 100 dB HL on ASSR thresholds. This retrospective study was conducted in multiple audiology centers. ASSR thre sholds with restricted settings were evaluated in 58 infants (116 ears). They had absent otoacoustic emissions and click-evoked auditory brainstem response waveforms and bilateral severe to profound hearing loss in behavioral evaluations. ASSR thresholds were absent in 28 %, 25%, 60 %, and 70 % of ears in 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz, respectively. The mean value of remained thresholds was approximately 90−95 dB HL. Restricted ASSR settings are prevalent; however, they fail to provide extensive additional information about hearing sensitivity. Thus, manufacturers are suggested to improve ASSR setting and transducers and resolve the intensity restrictions. ASSR settings should be able to test auditory thresholds to level of 120 dB HL.