The positive association between inner ear auditory tests (DPOAE, SISI and MCL / UCL) and the cochlear function

Abstract

One hundred and twelve patients (203 ears) who underwent DPOAE (distortion-product otoacoustic emission) test, SISI (short increment sensitivity index) test and MCL/UCL (most comfortable loudness level / uncomfortable loudness level) test were analyzed. The positive rates of the DPOAE test at 1 kHz and 4 kHz were 41%and 69%, respectively. The positive rates of the SISI test at 1 kHz and 4 kHz were 20%and 53%, respectively. The positive rates of the MCL/UCL test at 1 kHz and 4 kHz were 43% and 54%, respectively. The positive rate of these three examinations were evaluated and correlated with the hearing level. DPOAE, SISI and MCL/UCL showed a positive rate from around 20 dB. The positive rate for DPOAE demonstrated a sharp increase and reached 90% around 35 dB, whereas those for SISI and MCL/UCL showed a gradual increase and reached 90% around 55 dB.