Pulsed DPOAEs in serial measurements: Combined analysis paradigm of simultaneously occurring changes in hearing thresholds and DPOAEs

Background To date, there is no consensus on how to standardize the assessment of ototoxicity in serial measurements. For the diagnosis of damage to the cochlear amplifier, measurement methods are required that have the highest possible test-retest reliability and validity for detecting persistent damage. Estimated distortion-product thresholds ( L EDPT ) based on short-pulse distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) level maps use individually optimal DPOAE stimulus levels and allow reliable quantitative estimation of cochlea-related hearing loss. Materials and methods Hearing thresholds were estimated objectively using L EDPT and subjectively using modified Békésy tracking audiometry ( L TA ). Recordings were performed seven times within three months at 14 frequencies ( f 2 = 1–14 kHz) in 20 ears (PTA 4 (0.5–4 kHz)