Active Research

Principal Investigators: Stephen A. Fausti, Ph.D.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of individualized narrow-band auditory brainstem response (ABR) and fine-resolution DPOAE relative to pure tone behavioral thresholds to develop an objective, clinically useful monitoring tool for early detection of ototoxic processes. The time of change occurring for the ABR and DPOAE methods will be compared to the time of change for the behavioral tests. Finally, it will be determined if the most effective individualized objective measure for early detection of ototoxicity established in the research laboratory is as reliable and sensitive on the hospital ward.

Background: A preventable cause of hearing loss in the veteran population is the use of ototoxic medications prescribed for life-threatening illnesses. Early detection of ototoxicity provides physicians with the necessary information to prevent the progression of hearing loss to frequencies critical for speech communication, thus preserving quality of life following treatment. Approximately 30% of patients who receive treatment with ototoxic medications, however, are unable to respond reliably to behavioral testing techniques. This study evaluates two objective, individualized methods, narrow-band ABRs and fine resolution DPOAEs, in relation to pure-tone behavioral thresholds, which is the “gold standard” for the early detection of ototoxicity.

Findings: The long-term goal is to specify an evidence-based, clinically useful individualized objective method for the early detection of hearing changes produced by ototoxic agents.