Includes bibliographical references (p. 22-24)."A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Speech and Hearing Sciences), The University of Hong Kong, June 30, 2010."Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2010.This study investigated the cochlear function of 13 haemophilic patients using distortion product
otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) assessment techniques. Out of the 26 ears examined, a minority
of them produced responses that were considered to be impaired. A positive correlation was
found between clotting factor level and DPOAE amplitude, and DPOAE/ noise ratio at high
frequencies (4, 6, 8 kHz). Clotting factor level, which is indicative of the severity of
haemophilia, may be related to hearing status. It was also revealed that DPOAE amplitude and
DPOAE/ noise ratio at low frequencies (1, 2, 3 kHz) were greater than those at high frequencies
(4, 6, 8 kHz). Therefore the high-frequency cochlear region may be more sensitive to damage.
Intracranial micro-haemorrhage in haemophilic individuals may be linked to an increased risk of
cochlear damage. Further studies may use brain computed tomography scan to explore the
possible link between intracranial micro-haemorrhage and hearing loss.published_or_final_versionSpeech and Hearing SciencesBachelorBachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science
