Comparison of 1000-Hz Toneburst and Click Stimuli in Otoneurologic ABR
The present study compares the utility of click and 1000-Hz toneburst stimuli in otoneurologic auditory brainstem response testing in 45 patients with cochlear sensorineural hearing loss and in 13 patients with tumors affecting the eighth nerve. Waves I and III occurred more frequently for the click stimulus than for the 1000-Hz stimulus in ears without tumors. In ears with tumors, Waves I and III were generally absent for both stimuli. Wave V was generally present in response to both stimuli. The Wave V interaural latency difference (ILD V) was significantly different between groups for both stimuli but was not significantly different between stimuli. The sensitivity and specificity were similar for the two stimuli. In selected cases and as an adjuvant measure, the additional use of the 1000-Hz toneburst was useful. Recommendations for clinical interpretation and application are discussed.