Int J Audiol

Objective:To determine whether acoustic reflexes are pervasive (i.e., known with 95 % confidence to be observed in at least 95 % of people) by examining the frequency of occurrence using a friction-fit diagnostic middle ear analyzer.Design:A group of 285 adult participants with very good hearing sensitivity underwent audiometric and middle ear testing. Acoustic reflexes were tested ipsilaterally and contralaterally in both ears across a range of elicitor frequencies. Two automated methods were used to detect the presence of an acoustic reflex.Results:There were no conditions in which the proportion of participants exhibiting acoustic reflexes was high enough to be deemed pervasive. Ipsilateral reflexes were more likely to be observed than contralateral reflexes and reflexes were more common at .5 and 1 kHz elicitor frequencies as compared to 2 and 4 kHz elicitor frequencies.Conclusions:Acoustic reflexes are common among individuals with good hearing. However, acoustic reflexes cannot be considered pervasive and should not be included in damage risk criteria and health hazard assessments for impulsive noise.200-2015-M-63121/ImCDC/Intramural CDC HHS/United States2019-09-03T00:00:00Z29256642PMC6719315661