Assessment of Middle Ear Function during the Acoustic Reflex Using Wideband Acoustic Reflectance
Abstract
The Auditory Hazard Assessment Algorithm for Humans (AHAAH) employs the response of the Middle Ear Muscle Contraction (MEMC) as a protective mechanism against high-level impulse noise. The "warned" option in the AHAAH model assumes that the MEMC is conditioned to activate prior to the noise when a person fires a weapon. This report details procedures used to evaluate MEMC response to both acoustic and non-acoustic stimuli, as well as three tasks for eliciting a conditioned MEMC in a group of normal hearing adults. The tasks varied on the sensory modality of the conditioning stimulus. Using the techniques described here, a conditioned response could be detected as an MEMC occurring prior to the unconditioned stimulus and when only the conditioned stimulus was presented. The techniques reported here will be used in future studies at USAARL, which will monitor MEMCs occurring during live fire of small arms at a rifle range on Fort Rucker.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1077770
Entities
People
- Gregory A. Flamme
- Heath G. Jones
- Kristy K Deiters
- Nathaniel T. Greene
- Stephen M. Tasko
- William A. Ahroon
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab