An alternate approach to constructing distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) suppression tuning curves

Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) suppression tuning curves (STCs) typically are constructed using suppression criteria of 3 or 6 dB. This paper describes a technique for generating DPOAE STCs using criteria ranging from 3 dB to complete suppression. The criterion effect was examined at various primary levels (f(2) = 4 kHz) in normal-hearing ears. As expected, Q(ERB) and tip-to-tail differences decreased as probe level (L-2) increased. Q(ERB) values were not systematically dependent on criterion. For low L-2'S, tip-to-tail differences decreased as criterion increased. Given similarities in methodology, DPOAE STCs constructed from completely suppressed responses might be most appropriate for comparison to psychophysical tuning curves. (C) 2004 Acoustical Society of America.