Brain Behav. 2026 Aug;16(8):e71665. doi: 10.1002/brb3.71665.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR), an efferent feedback pathway, modulates cochlear gain to enhance signal detection in noise. It is commonly assessed non-invasively via contralateral suppression of transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). While unmodulated noise is a standard elicitor, ecologically relevant amplitude-modulated (AM) noises may be more effective activators, though literature findings are conflicting regarding the optimal modulation rate. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of unmodulated white noise (WN) and WN modulated at 10, 50, and 100 Hz (AM-BBN) in eliciting the MOCR, as measured by TEOAE suppression. A secondary objective was to investigate the frequency specificity and laterality of the suppression effect.
METHODS: Forty-six normal-hearing adults participated. TEOAEs were recorded ipsilaterally while presenting contralateral noise stimuli (WN, M10, M50, and M100 Hz) at 60 dB SPL. Suppression was measured across frequency bands (1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 kHz) and ears. Non-parametric statistical analyses were employed due to non-normal data distribution.
RESULTS: A significant main effect was found for stimulus type (χ2(3) = 28.45, p < 0.001). Post-hoc analyses revealed that M50 and M100 Hz elicited significantly greater suppression than WN (p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively) and M10 Hz. Suppression was strongest at lower frequencies (1-2 kHz) and weakest at 4 kHz (p < 0.001). The right ear showed significantly greater suppression than the left (p = 0.003). No gender differences were observed.
CONCLUSION: AM noises at moderate to high rates (50-100 Hz) are more effective MOCR activators than unmodulated noise. The efferent system demonstrates clear frequency-specific and lateralized efficacy, with maximal suppression at lower frequencies and in the right ear. These findings underscore the importance of the temporal characteristics of contralateral stimuli and suggest optimized MOCR assessment using ecologically relevant, fluctuating sounds.
PMID:42581692 | DOI:10.1002/brb3.71665
