Normative Data for 40-Hz Event-Related Potentials to 500-Hz Tonal Stimuli in Young and Elderly Subjects

Abstract

Recordings of 40-Hz event-related potentials (ERPs) were obtained in 81 young subjects (18–40 years) and in 20 elderly subjects (60–77 years) with hearing normal for their age. The stimuli were 500-Hz logons. The first negative peak (N₁) of the response was analyzed. With increasing intensity the amplitude of the responses increased and the latency decreased for all subjects. The 40-Hz ERP was obtained within 10 dB of the behavioral threshold for more than 80% of the population under study. The N₁ was prolonged in latency and enhanced in amplitude in the older subjects. No differences were found between young and elderly subjects regarding binaural interaction, or in responses elicited by ipsi- and contralateral stimulation. From the clinical point of view, the 40-Hz ERP recordings of young and elderly subjects are similar.

Key Words:

• Middle latency response
• 40-Hz event-related
• potentials
• Evoked potentials