Name of the Procedure:

Acoustic Reflex Testing, Threshold (also known as Middle Ear Reflex or Stapedius Reflex Test)

Summary

Acoustic reflex testing measures the ear's involuntary muscle response to sounds. It helps to assess the functionality of the auditory nerve pathway and the middle ear muscles.

Purpose

This test evaluates the auditory system's ability to respond to loud sounds, aiding in diagnosing hearing loss, auditory nerve problems, and certain neurological conditions.

Indications

• Unexplained hearing loss
• Vertigo or dizziness
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Middle ear infections
• Suspected auditory nerve damage

Preparation

• No special preparation is typically needed.
• Patients should inform the audiologist of any active ear infections or recent ear surgeries.

Procedure Description

1. The patient sits in a soundproof room.
2. The audiologist places a soft ear probe into each ear canal.
3. Sounds of varying intensities and frequencies are played through the ear probe.
4. The ear probe measures the reflexive contraction of the middle ear muscles in response to the sounds.
5. Results are recorded and analyzed.

Duration

Approximately 10-15 minutes.

Setting

Outpatient clinic or audiology lab.

Personnel

Audiologist or trained hearing specialist.

Risks and Complications

• Minimal to no risks.
• Temporary discomfort or mild dizziness may occur during the test.

Benefits

• Identifies issues with the auditory pathway and middle ear.
• Helps determine the type of hearing loss.
• Aids in the diagnosis of neurological disorders.

Recovery

• No recovery time is needed.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Alternatives

• Pure tone audiometry
• Tympanometry
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing These alternatives offer different evaluations but may be less specific in identifying middle ear reflex issues.

Patient Experience

Patients may feel a slight pressure in the ear and hear various tones during the test. Any discomfort is usually minimal and temporary.