Correlation between multi-channel auditory steady-state response and pure tone threshold in children

Objective To analyze the correlation of multi-channel auditory steady-state response(ASSR) with pure tone audiometry threshold,and to predict the value of ASSR threshold in determining the pure tone threshold.Methods Sixty children aged from 5 to 6 years were recruited in the study,including 20 cases with normal hearing and 40 cases with hearing impairment.All subjects received pure-tone audiometry,multi-channel ASSR for threshold measurement.According to the pure tone threshold,patients with abnormal hearing were divided into mild,moderate and severe deafness groups.The correlation of pure tone threshold with multi-channel ASSR threshlod was assessed.Results There was significant difference between multi-channel ASSR and pure tone threshold in different groups(P0.05) except severe deafness group.Between multi-channel ASSR and pure tone thresholds,a difference of 20~25 dB was found in children with normal hearing,about 10 dB in mild deafness group and 10~20 dB in moderate deafness group(P0.05).In severe deafness group,multi-channel ASSR threshold was correlated with pure tone threshold(r=0.837,P0.05).Conclusions Multi-channel ASSR threshold was correlated with pure tone threshold and multi-channel ASSR could be used to determine the pure tone threshold.