Which property makes distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) preferred over transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) when detailed frequency-specific assessment of cochlear outer hair cell function is required?
- A DPOAEs are generated by inner hair cells whereas TEOAEs arise from outer hair cells
- B DPOAEs are unaffected by middle ear effusion while TEOAEs are abolished by it
- C DPOAEs provide better frequency resolution across a wider range, allowing construction of an audiogram-like cochleogram ✓
- D DPOAEs assess neural synchrony of the auditory nerve whereas TEOAEs assess cochlear function
Correct answer: C. DPOAEs provide better frequency resolution across a wider range, allowing construction of an audiogram-like cochleogram
Explanation
DPOAEs are elicited by two simultaneous pure tones and can be measured at many discrete frequencies from roughly 1 to 8 kHz, giving superior frequency specificity so results can be plotted like a cochleogram. Both emission types originate from outer hair cells and both are abolished by significant middle ear pathology, which eliminates options A and B. Assessment of neural synchrony is the domain of ABR, not any OAE, eliminating D.
Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.