Two-source interference as the major reason for auditory-threshold estimation error based on DPOAE input-output functions in normal-hearing subjects

► Continuous-tone DPOAE I/O functions are compromised by DPOAE fine structure. ► The primary-source DPOAE component can be extracted by onset decomposition. ► 100% acceptance rate of DPOAE I/O functions is achievable for onset decomposition. ► Auditory thresholds can be estimated from thresholds of onset-decomposition DPOAEs. ► The standard deviation of the estimated auditory threshold is 4 dB.