Date of Award

Spring 2009

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Audiology (AuD)

Department

School of Communication

First Advisor

Matthew D. Bryan

Abstract

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) tests are procedures routinely performed to assess auditory function from the peripheral auditory system to the level of the lower brainstem. The ABR is used as a neurodiagnostic tool to detect retrocochlear pathologies of the auditory system, such as space occupying lesions, tumors, auditory neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis that effect the structures located above the level of the cochlea.

An ABR consists of eliciting and recording waveforms. These waveform recordings elicited are compared to normative data to determine normal versus abnormal (retrocochlear lesion) responses. Generalized normative data is available for ABR test results; however, research states it is important for each audiological clinical facility to develop its own set of standardized norms for each piece of testing equipment. Normative data has not been developed for the Nicolet Testing System, which is currently being used for ABR testing at Louisiana Tech University Speech and Hearing Center.

This study consisted of developing normative data for the Nicolet Testing System. In this study, ABR testing was performed on ten adult males and ten adult females. All participants were between the ages of 18-35 years. All participants also had normal outer and middle ear function and normal hearing sensitivity. Normative data was developed for the male group, the female group, and both groups combined. Means and standard deviations were determined for waveforms I, III, and V and for the interpeak intervals of waveforms I-III, III-V, and I-V.

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