Click-evoked auditory brainstem response is used to estimate hearing threshold in an infant who cannot cooperate with behavioural testing. The frequency region of the cochlea best represented by click-ABR thresholds is:
- A 250 to 500 Hz
- B 500 to 1000 Hz
- C 2000 to 4000 Hz ✓
- D 6000 to 8000 Hz exclusively
Correct answer: C. 2000 to 4000 Hz
Explanation
A broadband click synchronously activates a large population of cochlear neurons, and the response is dominated by the high-frequency basal turn fibres with the best phase synchrony. Therefore click-ABR thresholds correlate best with behavioural thresholds in the 2000 to 4000 Hz region and give little information about low-frequency hearing. Frequency-specific stimuli such as tone bursts or chirps are needed to assess lower frequencies.
Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.