Galvanic skin response in auditory threshold evaluation, preliminary report

The galvanic skin response (GSR) is an autonomic reflex that modifies electrical skin resistance after sensory input. Its most famous use regards the lie detector test, which is used in the United States in job interviews, security clearances, and interrogations. It utilises the sympathetic nervous system that modifies electrical skin resistance after sensory input without the patient’s collaboration. Our scope was to verify the presence of GSR in the audiometric exam and if this reflex was present at the hearing threshold level. We have evaluated 20 consecutive patients who arrived in our hospital for an audiometric test. We have demonstrated that this reflex is present at the hearing threshold level and absent under the threshold level in all frequencies commonly explored in standard audiometric exams.

These results can lead to objective audiometry, which could finally avoid medico-legal disputes linked to hearing loss simulation.