The frequency-following response as an assessment of spatial processing

Abstract

Objective: It is important to detect children with difficulties distinguishing speech-in-noise early. Prompt identification may be assisted by an evoked potential. The aims of the present study were: 1) to evaluate the frequency-following response (FFR) as a measure of binaural processing and spatial listening and, 2) to investigate the relationship between the FFR and a behavioural measure of binaural processing and spatial listening.

Design: A single group, repeated measures design. The FFR was recorded in two different spatial conditions and amplitudes compared to spatial listening ability.

Study Sample: Thirty-two children (aged 6.0 to 13.1 years) with a range of spatial processing abilities as measured behaviourally using the Listening in Spatialised Noise Sentences test (LiSN-S).

Results: FFR waveforms were elicited using speech-like stimuli in co-located and separated conditions. A significant (p≤0.005) spatial advantage effect was observed with larger amplitudes in the separated condition. No correlations were observed between FFR amplitude and LiSN-S results.

Conclusions: The FFR shows promise as a measure of binaural processing and spatial listening, but could be measuring different processes to those measured by the LiSN-S.

Keywords:

• Paediatric
• anatomy & physiology
• behavioural measures
• conditions/pathology/disorders

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the families who participated in this study and Katherine Tong for assisting with data collection.

Disclosure statement

The author is not aware of any conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this project was provided by the HEARing CRC, established under the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Programme. The CRC Programme supports industry led, end-user driven research collaborations to address the major challenges facing Australia.