Role of auditory stimulation in maturation of the auditory pathway

Abstract

Objective To compare the maturation of the auditory pathway, as shown by electrical brainstem auditory potentials (EABRs), in ears with and without prior auditory stimulation.

Material and Methods Electrophysiological data were collected prospectively from ears which had received cochlear implants. Implant-evoked (Imp)EABRs were recorded. Thirty children, implanted after January 2000, were selected according to a strict inclusion/exclusion protocol. All the children had received a 22-channel Nucleus cochlear implant (CI24 series). Intraoperatively, ImpEABRs were recorded using the Medelec Synergy® Evoked Response system in conjunction with Nucleus Neural Response Telemetry® software. The ImpEABR latencies of waves eII, eIII and eV and the morphology of wave eV were assessed.

Results ImpEABRs alter during the first 12 months of life. The latency becomes shorter during this period and the morphology of wave eV alters from a broad shape to a more distinct waveform. This appears to occur independently, even in the absence of auditory stimulation.

Conclusion The development of electrical brainstem auditory potentials is not dependent on auditory stimulation.

• auditory brainstem responses
• auditory pathway
• hearing, maturation

Ray J, Gibson WPR, Sanli H. Role of auditory stimulation in maturation of the auditory pathway. Acta Otolaryngol 2004; 124: 695–699.

Ray J, Gibson WPR, Sanli H. Role of auditory stimulation in maturation of the auditory pathway. Acta Otolaryngol 2004; 124: 695–699.