Semin Hear 2005; 26(1): 26-34
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-863792
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Reliability of Click-Evoked and Frequency-Specific Auditory Brainstem Response Testing Using Telehealth Technology

Andrew D. Towers1 , Justyn Pisa2 , Thomas M. Froelich3 , Mark Krumm4
  • 1No. 2-5116 52nd St., Red Deer, AB, Canada
  • 2Northern Lights ENT, Marinette, Wisconsin
  • 3Assistant Professor, Minot State University, Minot, North Dakota
  • 4Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
09 February 2005 (online)

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of auditory brainstem responses obtained from a distant site using telemedicine technology. Fifteen subjects were located with the examiners in Minot, North Dakota, while the data were acquired by an audiologist in Logan, Utah. All test procedures were performed with accepted clinical protocols. Statistical analysis of the data indicated that trials conducted locally had a strong correlation with those collected from a distance. The analysis also indicated that any intrasubject variances were due to factors other than the site of testing. The test results fell within accepted clinical allowances as defined by prior normative studies. These results indicate that this procedure may be accepted for clinical use.

REFERENCES

  • 1 Hood L J. Clinical Applications of the Auditory Brainstem Response. San Diego, CA; Singular 1998
  • 2 Hall J. Handbook of Auditory Evoked Responses. Boston, MA; Allyn & Bacon 1992
  • 3 Reid J. A Telemedicine Primer: Understanding the Issues. Billings, MT; Innovative Medical Communications 1996
  • 4 Bloom S. New technology can link hearing care providers with distant patients.  Hearing J. 1999;  52 21-25
  • 5 Schmiedge J. Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions Testing Using Telemedicine Technology [masters thesis]. Minot, ND; Minot State University 1997
  • 6 Winsor T. Validating Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions Using Telehealth Technology [masters thesis]. Minot, ND; Minot State University 2001
  • 7 Melega C E. Pure Tone Testing Using Telemedicine [masters thesis]. Minot, ND; Minot State University 2000
  • 8 Roine R, Ohinmaa A, Hailey D. Assessing telemedicine: a systematic review of the literature.  Can Med Assoc J. 2001;  165 765-771
  • 9 American National Standards Institute .Specifications for audiometers (ANSI S3.6). New York; ANSI 1996
  • 10 American National Standards Institute .Instruments to measure aural impedance and admittance (aural acoustic immittance) (ANSI S3.39-1987 [R-1996]). New York; ANSI 1987
  • 11 American National Standards Institute .Maximum permissible ambient noise for audiometric test rooms (ANSI S3.1). New York; ANSI 1999
  • 12 Gorga M P, Kaminski J R, Beauchaine K A, Jesteadt W. Auditory brainstem responses to tone bursts in normally hearing participants.  J Speech Hear Res. 1988;  31 87-97

Andrew D TowersM.S. 

#2-5116 52nd St. Red Deer

AB T4N 6Y4, Canada

Email: drewtowers@shaw.ca