Toneburst-evoked auditory brainstem response in a leopard seal, Hydrurga leptonyx

• Published in: The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
• Main Authors: Tripovich, J. S., Purdy, S. C., Hogg, C., Rogers, T. L.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Hydrurga; Hydrurga leptonyx; Leopard Seal
• Online Access: https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/publications/052d6d89-e8b3-4f56-af70-ad14ef66c096; https://doi.org/10.1121/1.3514370; http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79551679802&partnerID=8YFLogxK

Toneburst-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were recorded in a captive subadult male leopard seal. Three frequencies from 1 to 4 kHz were tested at sound levels from 68 to 122 dB peak equivalent sound pressure level (peSPL). Results illustrate brainstem activity within the 1-4 kHz range, with better hearing sensitivity at 4 kHz. As is seen in human ABR, only wave V is reliably identified at the lower stimulus intensities. Wave V is present down to levels of 82 dB peSPL in the right ear and 92 dB peSPL in the left ear at 4 kHz. Further investigations testing a wider frequency range on seals of various sex and age classes are required to conclusively report on the hearing range and sensitivity in this species.