AAO-HNSF Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel

Acoustic Reflex

• Acoustic Reflex measures the contraction of the stapedius muscle • The stapedius muscle is attached to stapes and when contracted, limit the motion of the ossicles • This contraction occurs when you hear a loud sound. How loud the sound needs to be before this reflex happens can tell us a lot about a person's hearing

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

28

Acoustic Reflex

• A probe tip produces a loud tone • Measures sudden change in SPL caused by a decrease in compliance (movement) of the middle ear system as muscles contract • Tested both ipsilateral (probe) and contralateral (headphone) usually 65-70 dBSL • Stimulus is 1-2 seconds • Test performed at 500, 1k, 2k, and 4k

AAO-HNS/F

Certificate Program for Otolaryngology Personnel Workshop

29