High frequency immittance for neonates : a normative study

Conclusion. High frequency immittance measurements demonstrate promise in clarifying middle ear status for neonates but age- and gender-specific norms should be consulted. Objective. To describe high frequency immittance measurements using a 1000 Hz probe tone for a sample of 278 neonatal ears (0–4 weeks of age) in order to compile normative tympanometric and acoustic reflex criteria. Subjects and methods. Assessment of neonatal ears included 1000 Hz probe tone immittance measurements (tympanograms and ipsilateral acoustic reflexes), and distortion product oto-acoustic emission (DPOAE) screening. Results were compared and normative values were compiled for immittance measures in ears controlled for normal middle ear functioning (n=250). Results. Comparison of immittance results to OAE screening outcome provides estimates of sensitivity and specificity for middle ear fluid with tympanometry of 57% and 95%, and 57% and 90% for acoustic reflex presence, and 58% and 87% for combined tympanogram and acoustic r...