Controversial Study Uncovers Hearing Glitch in Autism
An ear muscle is more sensitive to loud sounds in children with autism than in controls, according to a study published 3 July in Autism Research1. The researchers say this measure could serve as a simple clinical biomarker of the disorder, but others fiercely disagree.
The so-called stapedial reflex causes the tiny stapedius muscle inside the ear to contract in response to a loud sound. The reflex pulls the stapes bone away from the inner ear, which dampens the sound’s effect and protects the inner ear from too much vibration.
In children with autism, the reflex is a split second slower and triggers at sounds a few decibels lower than in typical controls, the study found.
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