Observation on the change of auditory brainstem responses in the patients with noise-induced hearing impairment

Objective To observe the change of auditory brainstem responses in the patients with noise-induced hearing impairment. Methods The auditory brainstem responses in 75 patients with noise-induced hearing impairment were determined. Results Subjective high frequency threshold level was coincident with objective threshold in 85 of 140 ears (61%). Subjective high frequency threshold level in pure sound was higher than objective threshold in 36 of 140 ears(26%). Subjective high frequency threshold level was lower than objective threshold in 19 of 140 ears(13%). Other 5 patients were not analyzed because both ears were unparalleled. Conclusion This study confirmed that the auditory brainstem responses in the patients with noise-induced hearing impairment is helpful for assessment of hearing ability.