An 18-month-old child with developmental delay cannot perform behavioral audiometry. Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) testing is performed. How does ASSR threshold relate to behavioral threshold in children?

• A ASSR threshold equals behavioral threshold within 5 dB
• B ASSR does not provide threshold estimation
• C ASSR threshold is 30-40 dB lower than behavioral threshold
• D ASSR threshold is approximately 10-15 dB higher than behavioral threshold in normal-hearing adults ✓

Explanation

ASSR thresholds are typically within 10-15 dB of behavioral thresholds in normal-hearing adults, and 5-10 dB in hearing-impaired individuals (closer in severe losses). ASSR provides frequency-specific threshold estimates in infants and uncooperative patients when behavioral testing is impossible. It cannot replace behavioral audiometry but is a valuable objective tool.

Reference: Katz Handbook of Clinical Audiology, 7th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.