Absolute Latencies Of Waves Research Articles

Audiological profile of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

South Africa shows a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes with reported association with auditory dysfunction. To describe the audiological profile of adults with this metabolic condition. Employing a descriptive research design, 35 individuals with type 2 diabetes, selected through purposive sampling, underwent a basic audiological assessment in addition to extended high-frequency (EHF) audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) testing and neurological auditory brainstem response (ABR) test. This study revealed a 31.4% prevalence of hearing loss with 81.8% being sensorineural in nature. Poor hearing thresholds were observed at 16 kHz (n= 19; 54.3%), 18 kHz (n= 24; 68.6%) and 20 kHz (n= 30; 85.7%) in the right ear and at 16 kHz (n= 20; 57.1%), 18 kHz (n= 24; 68.6%) and 20 kHz (n= 30; 85.7%) in the left ear. Absent DPOAEs were observed at 6 kHz (n= 20; 51.7%) and 8 kHz (n= 24; 68.6%) in the right ear and at 6 kHz (n= 17; 48.6%) and 8 kHz (n= 29; 82.9%) in the left ear, possibly indicating that type 2 diabetes specifically targets higher frequency hearing. The ABR results revealed a delayed absolute latency of wave III bilaterally (right ear -69%; left ear - 51%), suggesting an impact of this metabolic disease on retro-cochlear pathways. Hearing loss should be recognised as a comorbidity accompanying type 2 diabetes, which indicates the need for routine comprehensive audiological assessments to facilitate early detection and intervention.Contribution:The present findings have implications for audiology clinical protocols; diabetes related health policies and patient education.

Sensory processing patterns among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using short sensory profile and evoked potentials: a case–control study

BackgroundBoth autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are early neurodevelopmental disorders that present notable diagnostic problems and share clinical features. The current research intends to clarify the sensory profile, visual-evoked potential (VEP), and auditory-evoked potential of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and typically developing children (TD). We have observed sensory processing problems in 42–88% of children diagnosed with autism and approximately 50% of children diagnosed with ADHD.ResultsThe parents of 37 children diagnosed with ASD, 41 children diagnosed with ADHD, and 43 children who were typically developing completed the short sensory profile (SSP) along with standardized questionnaires used to assess the symptoms and autistic behaviors. We assessed intellectual functioning and evoked potential in all the groups. There were more sensory problems in the ASD and ADHD groups than in the control group (P < 0.001); however, autism and ADHD differed in all subscales except unresponsiveness, auditory filtering, and visual/auditory subscales. Also, the ASD group and ADHD group showed a more significant delay in visual-evoked potential VEP than the control group (mean and SD of right eye p100 latency 150.85 ± 48.70 in ASD vs 119.28 ± 18.06 in ADHD vs 103.42 ± 5.19 in typically developing group, left p100 latency 141.09 in ASD ± 32.55 vs 116.51 ± 10.1 in ADHD vs 103.0 ± 5.91 typically developing group). Additionally, the ASD group significantly deviated from norms in the absolute latency of waves I, III, and V, as well as the inter-wave intervals of I–III and III–V in the auditory-evoked potential. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant distinction between the ADHD and the TD groups in terms of left wave III and V latency and left interpeak latency between I–III and III–V.ConclusionChildren diagnosed with ASD and ADHD have a greater likelihood than typically developing children to experience sensory processing abnormalities; as a result, we recommend basic assessment, follow-up, and designing the most appropriate intervention.

Comparisons of Audiologic Characteristics in Patients with Continuous and Intermittent Tinnitus.

No studies to date have compared audiologic characteristics in patients with continuous and intermittent tinnitus. The present study classified tinnitus patients into continuous and intermittent groups based on tinnitus duration and compared their audiologic characteristics. This study enrolled 604 patients with tinnitus from January 2019 to December 2022. Clinical manifestations, PTA results, the frequency and loudness of tinnitus, ABR, DPOAE, and TEOAE tests were compared in patients with continuous and intermittent tinnitus. Of the 604 patients, 231 (38.2%) had continuous and 373 (61.8%) had intermittent tinnitus. There were no significant between-group differences in otologic symptoms, tinnitus onomatopoeia. PTA showed that hearing thresholds, except at 125 Hz, were significantly higher in patients with continuous rather than intermittent tinnitus. The loudness of tinnitus was significantly greater in patients with continuous rather than intermittent tinnitus. ABR tests showed that the absolute latency of wave V was significantly longer in continuous than in intermittent tinnitus. Signal-to-noise ratios on TEOAE tests were significantly lower in patients with continuous rather than intermittent tinnitus at all frequencies tested (1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 kHz). Response rates to sound stimuli at all frequencies, except for 1 kHz, were significantly lower on DPOAE tests in patients with continuous rather than intermittent tinnitus. Continuous tinnitus is more common in males, more persistent over time, and is associated with a higher rate of hearing loss. In contrast, intermittent tinnitus is more common in women, appears acutely, and is associated with a relatively lower rate of hearing loss. Based on the findings of the current paper, it seems that audiologic characteristics may differ between patients with continuous and intermittent tinnitus.

Brainstem auditory evoked potential variability in unmedicated schizophrenic patients

Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is one of the most incapacitating and financially disastrous medical conditions and ranks among the most severe and burdensome diseases in the world due to the onset, progression, and frequency of disability. Few researches have been reported that SCZ is linked to a number of neurophysiological abnormalities, including changes in brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs). Aims and Objectives: The current study aimedto measure brainstem function using BAEPs in patients with SCZ and compare their findings with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional case–control study was conducted on 51 schizophrenic drug-naive patients selected from the outpatient department of psychiatry, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV, aged 18-28 years, male and female, with a matching control group of 50 subjects recruited from patients’ relatives. For assessing the severity of SCZ, the positive and negative syndrome scale was utilized. The BAEPs were recorded using a brainstem-evoked response audiometry (BERA) device (NeuroStim-NS 2). Data were analyzed using Independent t-test and Mann–Whitney test based on normality. P-value was considered significant at P &lt; 0.05, P &lt; 0.01 level. Results: A significant difference was observed in patients and control group BAEPs. The absolute latency of waves I and III in the right ear, waves I and V, IPL I-III in the left ear was shown to be significantly different. The results demonstrate that the patient group’s mean latency was higher than the controls. Conclusion: Based on findings, it was concluded that abnormal BAEPs in schizophrenic patients might be attributed to their primary symptom of discontinuity in perceptual and other cerebral functions and slower transmission in the lower brainstem auditory pathway and decreased activity at the brainstem level.

Avaliação do processo maturacional auditivo em crianças portadoras da síndrome da infecção congênita pelo Zika vírus

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the absolute latencies of waves I. III and V and the interpeak intervals I-III. III-V and I-V of the ABR recorded from different age groups of children with congenital zika virus infection and their peers without risk indicators for hearing impairment. Methods: 84 newborns and infants (N=51 study group and N=33 control group) divided into groups with different post-conceptual ages. with the results of their hearing exams analyzed by age group and compared with their peers without other risk indicators for hearing impairment. The assessment of the auditory pathway was conducted through tympanometry. otoacoustic emissions and auditory brain stem responses. Results: only the latency of wave I and the interpeak III-V showed no significant difference between the study and control groups. The absolute latency and interpeak values found in the study group were significantly lower than those found in the control group. Conclusion: the maturation of the brain stem in children with ZIKV infection occurred within normal limits. with no retrocochlear disorders until the age of 5 years.

Association of Cord Ferritin Levels with Brain Stem Evoked Response Audiometry in Newborns.

Iron is an important nutrient and it plays a pivotal role in myelin formation and neurotransmitter synthesis, thus contributing to normal neurological activity. Ferritin is a reliable indicator of the tissue iron stores and in-utero stores can be well measured by cord ferritin levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of umbilical cord ferritin levels (CFL) on the brain stem evoked response audiometry (BERA) This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care centre of North India with a sample size of 100 inborn neonates. After evaluation of the umbilical cord ferritin levels the study cohort was divided into Group A( UCF<75ng/ml) and Group B(UCF>75ng/dl). All subjects were subjected to BERA. A detailed analysis of CFL and BERA was done and statistically analysed. Neonates in group B had significantly prolonged absolute peak latency of wave I, III and V and interpeak latency of wave III-V when compared to group A. The Pearson correlation also showed negative correlation of CFL with absolute peak latency of wave I, III, and V and interpeak latency of wave III-V. Among the maternal and neonatal variables, highly significant correlation was noted between absolute latency of wave I, III and V, CFL and cord hematocrit. The Pearson correlation showed negative correlation of absolute peak latency of wave I, III and V with maternal haemoglobin (Hb), neonatal birth weight, CFL,s and cord hematocrit values. A negative Pearson correlation was noted between interpeak latency of wave III-V with neonatal birth weight and cord hematocrit level, interpeak latency of wave I-V with neonatal birth weight and between interpeak latency of wave I-III with cord hematocrit values. CFL's significantly affect the absolute peak latency of wave I, III and V and it also affects the interpeak latency of wave III-V. This may be attributed to slow conduction time secondary to altered myelination. CFL's should be considered as a routine protocol in neonates to detect early compromises in the process of myelination and brain maturation.

A study of auditory brainstem response in vitiligo patients

Introduction and Aim: Vitiligo is a hypomelanotic, idiopathic disease influencing entire pigmentary system which includes stria vascularis of internal ear described by depigmented patches in the skin because of absence of melanin and functioning melanocytes in the epidermis. The aim of this study was to assess the audiological irregularities by assessing the brain stem auditory evoked potential in vitiligo patients and comparing with the healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Forty clinically confirmed vitiligo patients of 20 to 40 years of both genders, with or without therapy were enlisted from the Dermatology and cosmetology outpatient clinics, Government Stanley Hospital. Forty controls with similar ages and genders were chosen. The Neuro perfect Medicaid polyrite instrument was used in recording Brainstem Evoked Reaction Audiometry (BERA) in both vitiligo individuals and controls. Inter-Peak Latencies (IPL) and Absolute Wave Latencies (AWL)were measured and analysed by using SPSS version 17. Student's independent 't' test was done for comparing the groups. Results: AWL and IPL of the two ears were measured and both were compared in the study and control groups. In the left ear, AWL III of study subjects had a significant increase 3.34+0.16 than that of controls 3.27+0.19; IPL I-III also significantly increased in the study subjects 1.91+0.16 than the controls 1.77+0.17. In the right ear, AWL III of study subjects had a significant increase 3.18+0.17 than the controls 3.06+0.15; IPL I-III also significantly increased in the study subjects 1.79+0.17 than the controls 1.64+0.16. Conclusion: BERA findings were abnormal in clinically asymptomatic research subjects, suggesting that this test should be included in the routine follow-up of vitiligo patients to detect audiological subclinical involvement.

Physiological and electrophysiological evaluation of the hearing system in low birth weight neonates treated with cholestin: a cohort study

BackgroundInfections in neonates are mainly caused by sepsis and are the most important complications of low birth weight. In the treatment of these infections, it is common to use broad-spectrum antibiotics such as cholestin. Cholestin can cause changes in the latency of brainstem-evoked response waves. The current cohort study tried to investigate the probability of changes caused by cholestin in LBW neonates and benefiting from two common tests to identify the hearing system in neonates after treatment by cholestin and compared them with a control group.MethodsThe study was an exposure-based cohort, during which hearing damage caused by receiving cholestin was evaluated in 104 low birth weight neonates, in two groups (52 exposure and 52 no-exposure to cholestin). OAE and ABR tests were performed at the age of 3 months to identify complications in two groups and their results were compared.ResultsThe absolute latency of waves I, III, and V in the brainstem evoked response test with an intensity of 80 dB Hl showed a significant difference in the exposure group with the control group. The interpeak latency of the waves as well as the effect of the drug on the gender of the infants did not show significant differences with the control group.ConclusionCholestin did not affect the axonal or synaptic transmission time of the auditory nerve to the brainstem. It is possible that the simultaneous presence of risk factors, such as the use of cholestin, low birth weight, noises in the intensive care unit, and other unknown factors, can be effective in the change of the absolute latency of waves.

Auditory Pathway Maturation in Full-term Small for Gestational Age Children: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

Introduction Factors of intrauterine growth restriction have been responsible for the births of full-term babies small for their gestational age (SGA). Scientific evidence points that this restriction can cause changes in the neural maturation process. Objectives To analyze the absolute latencies and interpeak intervals of brainstem auditory evoked potential waves in full-term and SGA children to investigate whether there are changes of neural maturation in this population. Data Synthesis The search for articles that reported the assessment of brainstem auditory evoked potential in SGA newborns compared with a control, appropriate for their gestational age, both born full-term, for the entire period available in the database research until October 31, 2021 was performed based on the MEDLINE/PubMed Central and on the Latin America and the Caribbean Health Sciences Literature and Virtual Health Library electronic databases. A total of 311 studies were found in the database research. Out of this total, 10 studies were included in the review, 5 of which were eligible for the meta-analysis, involving a total of 473 participants of both genders, with 193 participants belonging to the study group and 280 to the control group. Differences between the groups were only observed in the absolute latency of wave V (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02-0.15; p < 0.01). Conclusion The SGA condition is responsible for the appearance of brainstem neural conduction dysfunction measured by the brainstem auditory evoked potentials, probably by the maturation process of the auditory pathway of this population.

Effects of latent iron deficiency on auditory neural maturation during early infancy in infants above 35 weeks' gestation.

Latent iron deficiency (LID) at birth is associated with prolonged latencies in auditory brainstem response (ABR), a surrogate for neural maturation. This study aimed to compare wave and inter-peak latencies of ABR at birth and at 4-6 months of age in infants ≥35 weeks of gestation with normal iron status (NIS) and LID. Neonates born at ≥35 weeks were screened. Cord ferritin value≤75ng/mL and >75ng/mL were classified as LID and NIS, respectively. ABR was performed within 48h of birth. The absolute latencies of waves I, III, and V, and inter-peak latencies I-III, III-V, and I-V were computed. Infants were reassessed at 4-6 months of age for hemoglobin, serum ferritin levels, and ABR latencies. In total, 160 neonates were enrolled. The mean (SD) birth weight and gestational age of the study population were 2843 (384) g and 38.3 (1.1) weeks, respectively. Approximately 122 infants completed follow-up until 4-6 months of age: 37 in the LID group and 85 in the NIS group. Overall, the wave and interpeak latencies in both groups at birth were comparable. At 4-6 months, the absolute latencies of waves I, III, and V, and inter-peak latencies I-III, III-V, and I-V were decreased and were comparable in both groups. Among small-for-gestational-age neonates, inter-peak latencies in I-III and I-V at birth were significantly longer in the LID group than in the NIS group. Nine (24.3%) infants in the LID group and none in the NIS group were iron-deficient at 4-6 months of age. There was no difference in wave or inter-peak latencies at birth and at 4-6 months of age in neonates aged ≥35 weeks with or without LID. However, infants with LID at birth have a significant risk of iron deficiency at 4-6 months of age. CTRI/2017/08/009379 (www.ctri.nic.in).

Comparing Auditory Brain Stem Responses and Transient Otoacoustic Emissions in Premature Infants with Auditory Developmental Delay: Evidence of Temporary Auditory Neuropathy.

Premature birth causes some permanent or temporary abnormalities in the hearing system of the newborn. Inadequate development of the central auditory nervous system and balance, as well as the delay in the formation of the nerve myelin, can be the cause of many hearing disorders, including permanent or temporary auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). The present study aims to identify and understand developmental delay disorder in the hearing system of infants and investigate the possibility of temporary auditory neuropathy in infants. In this comparative analytical study, twenty premature infants were randomly selected for hearing tests using auditory brainstem response and transient otoacoustic emissions at the time of discharge and three months after the first evaluation. The different components of these tests were analyzed and compared before and after developing the auditory system. The OAEs test showed a signal-to-noise ratio above six dB with appropriate amplitudes in all infants. The grand average waveform of the ABR showed a significant difference between the amplitudes of waves III and V before and after maturation in both ears (p<0.05). In addition, the absolute latency of waves, specifically III and V, showed a significant difference between the two assessment times (0.05). The present study confirmed the occurrence of temporary ANSD or delayed maturation in premature infants following the lack of complete growth and myelination of auditory nerve fibers. There is a need to determine the hearing status of premature infants by frequent examinations and prevent any unnecessary prescription of amplifications.

Change of brainstem auditory-evoked potential in vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack patients

Background: Transient ischemic attack describes the symptoms of the nervous system which occurs due to insufficient circulation that lasts for &lt;24 h. Its clinical manifestations tend to disappear quickly and it is also considered as an indicator of stroke. Brainstem auditory-evoked potentials are responses of the brainstem by auditory stimulation. Vertebrobasilar (VB) transient ischemia can cause brainstem ischemia which can induce BAEP changes. Hence, it becomes necessary to evaluate the electrophysiological changes in VB transient ischemic attack (VBTIA) patients so that early detection of neuronal changes and prevention of full-blown stroke. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the changes in brainstem auditory-evoked potential in VB TIA patients with normal subject. Materials and Methods: Auditory-evoked potential was recorded in 40 patients with VBTIA and 40 normal control groups. This study was conducted at the Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur. Results: The absolute latency of wave V was prolonged and a reduction in amplitude of wave V was observed in patients with VBTIA and it was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: This study is very much useful to identify the early detection of the progression of stroke in VB TIA patients. Further studies are required to evaluate the correlation between the electrophysiological parameters and progression into stroke so that preventive measures can be used to prevent early involvement of Stroke.

A cross-sectional analysis to study the effects of mobile use on brainstem auditory response in young healthy male adults

Background: The intensive use of mobile phones has given rise to adverse effects concerning the potential influences of electromagnetic fields on human health. The ear, being the closest, is the direct recipient of electromagnetic radiation, thus making it the most likely affected organ. The present study assessed the effects of mobile usage on brainstem auditory responses in young healthy male adults using brainstem-evoked response audiometry. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of long-term repeated exposure to mobile phones on the hearing of young healthy male adults by assessing and comparing absolute wave latencies and interpeak latencies (IPLs) of brainstem auditory responses. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted using the RMS EMG SALUS 2C machine in the Physiology Department of SMS Medical College, Jaipur. This was an analytical type of observational study design incorporating a total of 70 young healthy male adults from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, in which Group I was using mobile for &gt;2 h/day for the duration of &gt;1 year and &lt;5 years and Group II was using mobile for &gt;2 h/day for the duration of more than 5 years. Results: The IPL I–III and I–V of the right ear of Group II was significantly prolonged (P &lt; 0.05) compared to IPL I–III and I–V of the right ear of Group I. Conclusion: This study revealed a significant prolongation of IPLs in the right ear of Group II mobile users associated with duration of usage.

COVID-19 during pregnancy and its impact on the developing auditory system

BackgroundThis study compared distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) recorded from infants whose mother had Covid-19 during pregnancy (Covid-19 group) to infants whose mother did not have Covid-19 (Control group) during pregnancy. MethodsThis study retrospectively examined records of infants in the Covid-19 group (n = 15) and control group (n = 46) who had distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) recorded as part of their clinical assessment. DPOAE amplitudes, absolute latencies (I, III, and V), and I-V interpeak intervals were examined. ResultsDPOAE amplitudes were similar between the Covid-19 group and the control group. The absolute latency of wave I was similar between groups. But absolute latencies III and V and I-V interpeak intervals of the Covid-19 group were significantly prolonged compared to the control group. ConclusionCovid-19 infection and its complications during pregnancy may not affect the cochlear function but may affect the functioning of the auditory brainstem.

Detrimental Effects of Traffic Noise in Traffic Policemen as Assessed by Auditory Brainstem Evoked Response: A Cross-sectional Observational Study

Introduction: Loud noise is a global occupational health hazard with substantial social and physiological impacts, especially pronounced in traffic policemen who are engaged at heavy traffic junctions. Apart from its overt effect on sensorineural hearing, loud noise has been also implicated, albeit covertly, as a causative factor for disturbances in sleep, learning and depression. Due to the insidious nature of hearing impairment, manifestations are often masked and hence testing through Auditory Brainstem Evoked Response (ABER) should be resorted to, for assessment of functional status of auditory pathway objectively. Aim: To assess and compare the effect of traffic noise in traffic policemen with age matched apparently healthy males using ABER. Materials and Methods: The present study was a crosssectional, comparative type of observational research conducted in the Department of Physiology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, from June 2019 to May 2020, on 45 apparently healthy male traffic policemen, aged 25-40 years, engaged at heavy traffic junctions of Jaipur city, with an average field posting of five years or more. An equal number of age and sex matched apparently healthy subjects living in Jaipur city, were recruited as controls. Before commencing with the test procedure, ethical clearance was obtained from the institute’s ethics committee and research review board and written informed consent was obtained from all the participants. ABER assessment was done via RMS EMG SALUS 2C machine on each subject using click stimuli presented mono-aurally via an overhead headphone resulting in harvest of variables in form of absolute wave latencies (I to V) and Interpeak Latencies (IPL) (I-III, I-V and III-V). Unpaired Student’s t-test was used to derive the level of significance using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Level of significance was set at p-value &lt;0.05. Results: The results obtained in the present study demonstrated pronounced delay (p-value&lt;0.01) in all absolute wave latencies (I to V) in both ears in traffic policemen. A statistically significant delay was also observed in IPL I-V (p-value&lt;0.01) when a comparison of left ABER was made between traffic policemen and controls. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that the hidden footprints of loss in auditory acuity in traffic policemen exposed to traffic noise can be unearthed objectively via using ABER assessment and therefore periodic ABER assessment along with usage of preventive equipment should be the strategy for prevention of imminent hearing loss.

Study of brainstem auditory evoked response and biochemical markers in patients of alcohol use disorder

Objectives: Data available on brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) and its correlation with biochemical parameters in patients of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Indian population is scanty. Therefore, this study was undertaken to focus on the effects of AUD on BAER and liver enzymes. Materials and Methods: This case-control study included 40 males in the study group who had AUD and 40 healthy males in the control group in the age group of 20–60 years. The BAER was performed using octopus NCS/ EMG/EP (Clarity) machine. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase and serum bilirubin were estimated in all the subjects. Results: We observed a highly significant increase in the absolute latencies of waves III and V and interpeak latencies (IPL) I-III and I-V of BAER in the patients of AUD in this study. Significant increase in the liver enzymes and especially AST/ALT ratio of patients of AUD was seen which indicated towards subclinical alcoholic hepatitis. The latencies of waves of EPs (waves III, V, IPL I-III and IPL I-V) were positively correlated with the biochemical parameters and duration of AUD. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that AUD lead to the increase in brainstem transmission time and also lead to subclinical alcoholic hepatitis which is reflected by the increase in the liver enzymes. We concluded that chronic alcohol consumption affected the auditory pathways and delayed the auditory transmission time which was suggestive of possible demyelination of auditory tracts.

Comparative study of brainstem evoked response audiometry in diabetic patients and non-diabetic subjects to assess the involvement of central auditory pathway

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Diabetes mellitus (DM) which is prevalent in world is associated with sensorineural hearing loss. Brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) is a simple, non-invasive procedure to detect early impairment of acoustic nerve and auditory pathway. The present study is under taken to evaluate the impact of DM on BERA parameters. Aim of the study was to compare the BERA of diabetic patients to those of age and gender matched controls to assess the involvement of central auditory pathway.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods&lt;/strong&gt;: A cross sectional study was conducted on 35 diabetic patients, aged 35 to 55 years, who were on treatment for at least 2 years, and 35 age and sex matched control participants, were subjected for BERA at 70,80 and 90 dB. The waveforms, absolute latency of wave I, wave III, wave V and interwave/ inter peak latency of I-III, III-V and I-V were analyzed with respect to both groups.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: The absolute latency of wave III and wave V, interpeak/ interwave latency of I-III, interpeak/ interwave latency of I-V, III-V and absolute latency of wave V were highly significant at corresponding tested stimuli in the diabetic group compared to the control group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;: Early involvement of central auditory pathway in diabetic patients, can be detected with fair accuracy with auditory evoked potential studies; if done on a regular basis warrants meticulous glycemic control and prevents further damage.&lt;/p&gt;

Role of Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry in Evaluating Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Diabetic Patients

Introduction Diabetes has become a global epidemic. Hearing loss has been long associated with diabetes. Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) is an objective, non-invasive, electro diagnostic test that not only evaluates the functional integrity of the subcortical auditory pathway but also provides topo-diagnosis of hearing loss. This study aims to identify the role BERA in detecting hearing loss early in diabetic patients.Materials and Methods In this study a total of 210 patients were taken and subjected to blood glucose levels followed by PTA were divided into two groups. Group I (n=105) consisted of diabetic patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and Group II (n=105) had age and sex matched non-diabetics with SNHL. All the patients were evaluated with BERA.Results All the patients were subjected to Brain Stem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA). Absolute latency of Wave I, III, V, I-III, III-V and I-V were assessed for both the ears. In both ear Absolute latency were significantly higher in diabetics as compared to non-diabetic patientsConclusion The findings of present study showed that the severity of hearing loss was significantly higher in diabetic patients as compared to non-diabetic controls. Level of glycemic control showed a possible link with severity of hearing loss.

Auditory brainstem response with click and CE-Chirp® Level Specific stimuli in hearing infants

IntroductionThe assessment of the integrity of the neural responses with ABR, aims to assist in the differential diagnosis of retrocochlear alterations. The gold standard stimulus for this assessment is Click. However, the CE-Chirp® Level Specific was developed to optimize the triggering of neural responses. Objectiveto compare neural responses obtained with CE-Chirp® LS stimulus to those obtained with Clicks at 70 dB nHL in hearing infants, in order to analyze advantages in using CE-Chirp® LS. MethodsEighteen infants with normal hearing were evaluated with Eclipse EP25 ABR System. Clicks and CE-Chirp® LS stimuli were presented using ER-3A insert earphones at 70 dB nHL, rate 45.1/s, and alternating polarity. A 30 Hz high-pass and 1500 Hz low-pass filter was applied, and ±40 μV artifact rejection level. Absolute latency of waves I, III and V and their interpeak intervals I-III, III-V and I–V were measured, as well as interaural difference for wave V and interpeak I–V, and wave V amplitude. ResultsAlthough 18 infants were included in the study, it was possible to collect data only in 30 ears for Click stimulus, and 33 ears for CE-Chirp® LS, according to exclusion criteria. It was possible to record waves I, III, and V for both stimuli at 70 dB nHL in all normal-hearing infants. CE-Chirp® LS stimulus evoked a higher wave V amplitude than Click (p < 0.001). Wave I absolute latency was statistically different between stimuli (p < 0.001), being delayed for CE-Chirp® LS. Wave III absolute latency was statistically different between stimuli only for the right ear (p = 0.021), and wave V absolute latency was similar in both stimuli (p = 0.210). Interpeak intervals I-III and I–V were statistically different between stimuli (p < 0.001), being reduced for CE-Chirp® LS. Interpeak interval III-V was different between the stimuli only for right ears (p = 0.006). There was no difference between stimuli for interaural difference wave V (p = 1.33) and interaural difference interpeak I–V (p = 0.409). ConclusionIt is possible to use CE-Chirp® LS stimulus in order to analyze neural synchrony in infants at 70 dB nHL, since better morphology waveforms were observed, and higher wave V amplitudes could be recorded. We suggest that new studies with infants with neurological disabilities and various hearing status, to observe how CE-Chirp® LS stimulus evokes neural responses in these conditions.

Effect of Stimulus Rates in Chirp and Click Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response in Adults with Normal Hearing Sensitivity

Introduction The effects of increasing stimulus repetition rate on the ABR using click stimuli have been investigated in normal and hearing impaired subjects with neurologic abnormality but there is limited study on the effect of stimulus repetition rate on ABR using chirp stimuli. The present study aims to compare the chirp evoked auditory brainstem responses with reference to changes in latency of peaks, interaural latency differences and interwave latency intervals as a function of rate and compare those responses with the click evoked auditory brainstem responses, in normal hearing subjects. Materials and Methods Total 30 normally hearing adults were considered for this study. All participants were screened for normal hearing sensitivity upto 8 kHz in pure tone audiometry for middle ear pathology and central auditory processing disorder. Four parameters of ABR were considered to assess in this study including absolute latency, interwave latency intervals, latency-rate function and interaural latency. ABR was done based on the protocol of this study. Results Results revealed that there was a significant difference in the absolute latency and interwave intervals when the stimulus repetition rate was increased. Conclusion The latencies of wave III and V increases and waveform morphology changed as the stimulus repetition rate increased above 20/sec. The absolute latency of wave III and V was found to be shorter than clicks and can be used especially in newborn hearing evaluation assuming in shorter time window.