Acoustic reflex averaging.

Signal averaging techniques have been applied to acoustic reflex measurement in order to meet the need for better temporal resolution and more accurate threshold delineation. We describe an approach to reflex measurement based on a signal averaging technique designed to examine both threshold and suprathreshold characteristics of the acoustic reflex. Results indicate that: (1) many supposed reflex threshold and latency aberrations are actually amplitude aberrations that are inappropriately classified because of instrumentation constraints; (2) reflex amplitude and waveform morphology can be recorded with appropriate fidelity using a signal averaging technique; (3) problems due to absolute amplitude variability can be minimized by using an index technique to assess amplitude relationships; (4) amplitude indices are sensitive indicators of neural pathology; (5) signal averaging and suprathreshold measurement of reflex amplitude and waveform morphology promise to enhance the sensitivity of acoustic reflex measurement.