Cetacean evoked potential audiometry by stranding networks enables more rapid accumulation of hearing information in stranded odontocetes

Knowing the hearing range and sensitivity of a marine mammal is fundamental to determining its potential for being impacted by ocean noise. Enabling stranding responders perform tests on stranded odontocetes most likely means which odontocete species will be tested population-level variability in determined. A portable auditory evoked (AEP) system was modified use response teams optimised test hearing. Stranding were trained deployed it strandings from 2010–2013. Eighteen partial or complete audiograms common dolphins (n = 15) Atlantic white-sided 3) obtained. Both demonstrated typically delphinid with upper frequency limits between 113–160kHz; however, region best dolphin (28–56kHz) 18–28 dB less sensitive than that dolphin. single presented severe loss consistent presbycusis delphinids, but undefined etiology. The number obtained during study greatly increases our knowledge about these species, neither are managed care facilities. In case dolphin, animals allows first estimate variability. Continued AEP systems expedite collection audiometric information previously untested permit sufficient sample sizes determine species.