Evoked otoacoustic emissions as alternative tests of auditory function in companion animals

McBrearty, Alix Rebecca (2012) Evoked otoacoustic emissions as alternative tests of auditory function in companion animals. MVM(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

A variety of causes of sensorineural deafness, including pigment-associated
congenital deafness and presbycusis have been reported in dogs, cats and
horses. Deafness is particularly important in these species as it can result in an
inability to anticipate hazards which can endanger the animals‟ life and
because it can be detrimental to the relationship between the animal and
owner. The current preferred method for assessing auditory function in these
species is the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test. In humans,
evoked otoacoustic emission (EOAE) tests are widely used for hearing screening,
detecting partial hearing loss and monitoring cochlear outer hair cell function
over time. Two types of EOAE are commonly used clinically: transient evoked
OAEs (TEOAEs) and distortion product OAEs (DPOAEs).
The aims of these studies were to investigate the feasibility of TEOAE testing in
conscious puppies and of TEOAE and DPOAE testing in sedated adolescent and
adult dogs presented for hearing screening. The ability of these tests to
correctly identify the hearing status of canine ears, as defined by BAER, was
also evaluated. In cats and horses, I investigated whether TEOAEs and DPOAEs
could be recorded and evaluated the use of human neonatal screening
protocols in cats and horses with apparently normal hearing.
In these studies I have shown for the first time that EOAE testing can be used
in dogs presented for audiological evaluation. I have developed and evaluated
protocols for recording EOAEs using a commercially available device. The EOAE
tests had a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing complete deafness
when compared to the BAER test. The EOAE tests were successfully performed
in cats and horses for the first time and the protocols used have been
described. These studies have added to our knowledge and understanding of
EOAEs in companion animals and have demonstrated the potential of these
tests as diagnostic tools to assess cochlear function in these species.

• Item Type: Thesis (MVM(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Additional Information: Due to copyright restrictions the full text of this thesis cannot be made available online. Access to the printed version is available once any embargo periods have expired.
• Subjects: S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF600 Veterinary Medicine
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Supervisor's Name: Penderis, Prof. Jacques
• Date of Award: 2012
• Depositing User: Mrs Marie Cairney
• Unique ID: glathesis:2012-4187
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 16 Apr 2013 08:11
• Last Modified: 16 Apr 2013 08:18
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/4187