Question
What is the ARLT Special Test?
Answer
The ARLT, or Acoustic Reflect Latency Test, is a simple clinical procedure that can be a sensitive indicator in distinguishing cochlear from retro cochlear lesions. The acoustic reflex latency is the time interval between the onset of an acoustic stimulus and the onset of a stapedius muscle contraction. What we’re measuring is the efficiency of the neural auditory system. And we know anything that affects the efficiency of the neural pathways will affect the latency measurement. Research has indicated that prolonged latency with retro cochlear disorders will be indicated with the ARLT. Although there are not norms, comparing the interaural latencies can provide valuable information to support the differential diagnosis. The ARLT can help provide information on the most appropriate next step in diagnosis and treatment and provide more diagnostic information with a less invasive or less uncomfortable evaluation.
For more information, please visit www.grason-stadler.com and the GSI Expo on AudiologyOnline.
