Abstract:

Currently, there are no direct measurements of the frequency-dependent hearing sensitivity of any threatened or endangered cetacean species. Auditory-evoked potentials (EP) allow rapid measurement of cetacean audiograms without the need for the training required to collect behavioral audiograms. A portable EP virtual instrument (VI) has been created that runs on a laptop computer using a commercial PCMCIA DSP card. The VI provides user control over stimulus design, stimulus projection schedules, and collection of evoked potentials via an intuitive graphic user interface. Audiograms can be generated for frequencies up to 8 kHz. EP audiometric methods and the portability of the EP VI makes this system an ideal component of a stranding toolkit for Stranded Whale Auditory Action teams.