Background: Frequency selectivity (FS) is an important aspect of auditory function,\nand is typically described by a tuning curve function. Sharply tuned curves represent\na higher acuity in detecting frequency differences, and conversely, broadly tuned\ncurves demonstrate a lower acuity. One way of obtaining tuning curves is from\ntechniques based on subjective behavioral responses, which yields psychophysical\ntuning curves (PTCs). In contrast, other methods rely on objective auditory responses\nto sound, such as neuron responses and otoacoustic emissions, amongst others. The\npresent study introduces an objective method that uses stimulus frequency\notoacoustic emissions (SFOAEs) to assemble suppression tuning curves (STCs).\nFinding an objective method of accurately measuring human FS is very important, as\nit would permit the FS to be assayed in non-responsive patients (e.g., neonates or\ncomatose patients). However, before the objective method can be applied, it must\nbe demonstrated that its ability to estimate the FS, gives comparable results to those\nobtained by subjective procedures i.e. PTCs.\nMethods: SFOAEs responses, generated in the peripheral auditory system, were used\nto produce STCs. PTCs were measured by behavioral responses. The validity of the\nobjective measures of human FS were determined by comparing stimulus frequency\notoacoustic emission suppression tuning curves (SFOAE STCs) to PTCs at common\nstimulus parameters in 10 individuals with normal hearing, at low probe-tone levels.\nResults: The average Q10 ratios measured between PTCs and SFOAE STCs from\nsubjects were close to 1 at various center frequencies (F 2,24 = .15, p = .858). The\nestimates of FS provided by SFOAE STCs and PTCs were similar.\nConclusions: This system could be used to estimate auditory FS by both objective\nand subjective methods. SFOAE STCs have the potential to provide an objective\nestimate of auditory FS.\nKeywords: Stimulus frequ
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