Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


17358.pdf (3.21 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Baseline Normative Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response in Special Operations Multi-Purpose Canines, Unclassified

Sonstrom, Kristine E
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3612-8535
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1439304660

Abstract Details

2015, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Allied Health Sciences: Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Special Operations in Command Multi-Purpose Canines (SOCOM MPCs) are extremely effective at executing tasks necessary for the protection, security and welfare of the human population, often in the most demanding environments. They receive extensive training which is vital to ensure the successful outcome of each mission as required by special operations. Therefore, Multi-Purpose Canines play an important role in preventing injury and death to United States military and service personnel. However, there are physical and psychological consequences than can result from the execution of required tasks. These consequences can substantially reduce their ability to perform effectively in theatre. During training and wartime, SOCOM MPCs are exposed to significant noise levels on a regular basis, without the current use of hearing protection. Evidence suggests these dogs are presenting with audiologic abnormalities, including auditory deprivation, hyperacusis and deficits in auditory processing. Audiologic symptoms can be detectable and measurable by objective criteria, namely the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER). The BAER test is a means of obtaining ear specific information from recording neural activity generated from the cochlear nerve and brainstem in response to a controlled sound stimulus. Since the 1970s, BAER testing has been used as the gold standard for assessing auditory function in canines (Scheifele & Clark, 2012). The use of BAER testing in SOCOM MPCs to assess auditory function and threshold is investigated. Results from SOCOM MPCs are compared to findings from Non-MPCs, with no known significant exposure to noise. Ranges were established for important waveform components of the BAER test across several intensities. Additionally, the preliminary use of the Auditory Middle Latency Response (AMLR) is investigated in Non-MPCs. The AMLR is a means of assessing higher order auditory-cognitive function. Findings are encouraging for both auditory assessments. The BAER test is suggested to be an effective means of assessing the auditory pathway in SOCOM MPCs as a quick, practical screening tool prior to, during and following training and wartime. Descriptive statistics indicate that the latencies of important BAER waveform components are within an acceptable range compared to Non-MPCs. Preliminary findings additionally suggest that BAER thresholds in SOCOM MPCs are overall higher than Non-MPCs for most of the dogs tested. Almost all SOCOM MPCs tested had a significant history of noise exposure. The AMLR response was recorded successfully in 25 Non-MPC dogs. Latency values of important components were within the accepted range. Findings from this research are preliminary. Large scale studies are warranted to establish baseline normative data prior to noise exposure within this population.
Peter Scheifele, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Brian Earl, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Sarah Couch, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Robert Keith, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
159 p.
Audiology
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response; Auditory Brainstem Response; Auditory Middle Latency Response; Canine; Dog; Noise Exposure

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Sonstrom, K. E. (2015). Baseline Normative Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response in Special Operations Multi-Purpose Canines, Unclassified [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1439304660

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Sonstrom, Kristine. Baseline Normative Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response in Special Operations Multi-Purpose Canines, Unclassified. 2015. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1439304660.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Sonstrom, Kristine. "Baseline Normative Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response in Special Operations Multi-Purpose Canines, Unclassified." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1439304660

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1439304660
1,109
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.