Study of brainstem auditory evoked potentials in normal healthy persons

Abstract

Background: Auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) are very small electrical voltage potentials signal generated by a sound through the auditory pathway. Age and gender influence on the brainstem AEPs (BAEPs) deserve keen appraisal for correct clinical application and inference. Aims and Objective: The aims and objectives of the study are to get the normal range of latencies and amplitude of waveforms of BAEP in healthy normal person. Materials and Methods: BAEPs from either ear of normal hearing 150 men and 145 women in 1-73 years age range were studied. Absolute peak latencies of Waves I-V were examined in reference to the influence of age and gender. Result: The latencies of Waves I value are significantly higher in males in 25-34 years and 35-44 years age groups than in females. In both genders, Waves II value is higher in ≥45 years age groups. The latencies of Waves III value are significantly higher in males in all age groups except in 35-44 years age groups than in females. In males, Waves I value is higher in ≥45 years age groups while in females Waves III value is higher in 35-44 years age groups. The latencies of Waves IV value are significantly higher in males in all age groups except in 15-24 years age groups and ≥45 years age groups than in females. The latencies of Waves V value are significantly higher in males in all age groups except in 35-44 years age groups and ≥45 years age groups than in females. Conclusion: Significant changes in the BAEPs in our study support the possible role of age and gender as contributively factors for normal variations.