[Evoked otoacoustic emissions in normal and hearing impaired adults and children].

In adults and children, 203 normal ears, 124 cars with hearing-impairment and 37 ears with middle ear problems were studied concerning click-evoked oto-acoustic emissions. According to the results, this method by high specifity and sensitivity renders possible the recognition of low sensory hearing losses. Complete middle ear effusions too make themselves conspicuous by preventing the reception of these responses. The recording of click-evoked oto-acoustic emissions is a most promising auditory screening-method. A general use could essentially improve the early detection of hearing losses in infants. Additionally, in the pedaudiologic practice possibilities are indicated to employ this technique as a topodiagnostic instrument.