Speech perception and cortical auditory evoked potentials in cochlear implant users with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders

Abstract

ObjectiveTo characterize the P1 component of long latency auditory evoked potentials (LLAEPs) in cochlear implant users with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) and determine firstly whether they correlate with speech perception performance and secondly whether they correlate with other variables related to cochlear implant use. MethodsThis study was conducted at the Center for Audiological Research at the University of São Paulo. The sample included 14 pediatric (4–11 years of age) cochlear implant users with ANSD, of both sexes, with profound prelingual hearing loss. Patients with hypoplasia or agenesis of the auditory nerve were excluded from the study. LLAEPs produced in response to speech stimuli were recorded using a Smart EP USB Jr. system. The subjects’ speech perception was evaluated using tests 5 and 6 of the Glendonald Auditory Screening Procedure (GASP). ResultsThe P1 component was detected in 12/14 (85.7%) children with ANSD. Latency of the P1 component correlated with duration of sensorial hearing deprivation (*p=0.007, r=0.7278), but not with duration of cochlear implant use. An analysis of groups assigned according to GASP performance (k-means clustering) revealed that aspects of prior central auditory system development reflected in the P1 component are related to behavioral auditory skills. ConclusionsIn children with ANSD using cochlear implants, the P1 component can serve as a marker of central auditory cortical development and a predictor of the implanted child's speech perception performance.