ISSN (Online) : 2277-4572
Author(s): Katijah Khoza-Shangase*, Marika Mavrokordatos
The audiological use of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) to obtain diagnostic audiological information can be challenging in the “difficult-to-test” populations where sedation is required. This challenge becomes more pronounced in non-medical settings where medical personnel who can provide drug administration as well as monitor the patient while under sedation are not readily available. The non-medical setting comprises a big portion of audiology practices and clinics; hence the importance of exploring sedation protocols that can be used in this setting. The current study explored the use of melatonin as a “sedative” during ABR testing. Within a prospective pretest - posttest design, 27 adults with normal hearing comprised the study sample. All participants underwent basic audiologic testing comprising of otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure tone audiometry followed by an ABR which was conducted pre and post melatonin administration. The initial recording was conducted prior to the administration of melatonin with the second recording performed 40 minutes following the participants’ intake of 3 milligrams of melatonin. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative statistical measures. Findings indicated that melatonin can be successfully utilised as a * “sedative” during ABR testing as it allowed for statistically significant reduction in muscle artifacts, did not present negative impact on morphology, repeatability, amplitude and latency of the recordings; and also did not induce any obvious and/or reported negative effects for the participants. These findings have important clinical and training implications, particularly in resource-constrained contexts and in contexts where audiologists function within non-medical facilities
