# Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in Objective Audiometry: A Scoping Review and Clinical Perspectives

## TL;DR

This review explores how fNIRS could help assess hearing in infants and others who can't cooperate with traditional tests, but more research is needed before it can replace current methods.

## Contribution

The paper provides a scoping review of fNIRS as a potential supplementary method in objective audiometry, highlighting its advantages and limitations.

## Key findings

- fNIRS can detect cortical responses to complex auditory stimuli like speech.
- fNIRS is more motion-tolerant than BERA and suitable for pediatric and cochlear implant populations.
- Standardized protocols and large-scale validation are needed before fNIRS can replace BERA.

## Abstract

Background: The objective assessment of hearing in non-cooperative populations, such as neonates, remains a challenge. While Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) is the gold standard, its sensitivity to motion artifacts necessitates alternatives. Objective: This scoping review maps the current literature on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a supplementary method in objective audiometry. Data Synthesis: fNIRS shows potential to detect cortical hemodynamic responses, particularly to complex stimuli like speech, which BERA cannot fully assess. Key advantages include motion tolerance and suitability for pediatric and cochlear implant populations. However, the literature reveals significant heterogeneity in stimulation protocols and data processing. Evidence suggests fNIRS is better suited for assessing higher-level auditory processing rather than replacing BERA for threshold estimation. Conclusions: fNIRS is a promising complementary tool. However, due to the lack of standardized protocols and large-scale validation studies, it is not yet a direct clinical replacement for BERA. Future work must focus on protocol standardization and establishing robust normative data.