Objective detection of auditory evoked potentials. Comparison of several statistical tests in the frequency domain by means of Monte Carlo simulations.

Abstract

Fully objective assessment of the hearing threshold by auditory evoked potentials requires an objective detection of these responses by means of suitable statistical tests. The Rayleigh test, Watson's U2 test, Kuiper's test and Hodges-Ajne's test check the phase angle distribution of a Fourier harmonics in a sample of stimulus-related EEG epochs. The modified Rayleigh test includes, in addition to the phase angles, the amplitude information in the form of ranks of the spectral amplitudes. To compare the signal detection performance of these tests, estimates of the probability density functions were calculated by means of extensive Monte Carlo simulations. From the probability density functions, the sensitivity of the tests was calculated and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were constructed. The modified Rayleigh test appeared to be the most powerful test, followed by the Rayleigh test and Watson's U2 test. The application of Kuiper's test and Hodges-Ajne's test as well is not to be recommended for AEP detection.