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This article presents a study on the brainstem auditory-evoked potential (BAEP) in patients with vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack (VBTIA). The study found that VBTIA patients had a prolonged absolute latency of wave V and a reduction in amplitude of wave V, which was statistically significant. These findings suggest that BAEP could be a useful tool for early detection of stroke progression in VBTIA patients. However, further research is needed to better understand the relationship between electrophysiological parameters and stroke progression. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: As per the World Health Organization, in 2005, more than 180 million people had diabetes worldwide. This figure will be more than double by 2030. Neuropathy is common and late complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Sensory neural hearing loss which is severe at higher frequencies has been reported in Type 2 DM patients. Auditory nerve tract damage increases the latency and reduces the amplitude of the response. Evoked potential recordings evaluate the neural pathways in the central nervous system. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) localize anatomic structures using different waves and detect acoustic and central neuropathy (CN). Hence, brainstem evoked response of audiometry (BERA) is used widely in clinical set up. Aims: Primary: 1. To record BERA waves in normal subjects with normal blood sugar levels (hemoglobin A1C [HbA1C] <5.4. 2. To record BERA waves in Type 2 DM patients. (HbA1C >6.5). Secondary: To study the BERA parameters with the normal subjects with blood sugar subjects and compare them with Type 2 DM patients. Materials and Methods: n = 30, Type 2 DM patients between the age of 35–50 years of either sex were chosen from the Diabetic Clinic of GMC, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. HbA1C test for glycemic control and BERA waves to assess CN were recorded. n = 30 normal subjects with normal blood sugar with age and sex-matched above tests were performed. Statistical Analysis: Unpaired Student's t-test. Results: Mean ± Standard deviation of the absolute latency and interpeak latency of BERA waves at 2, 4, and 6 KHz at 80 dB in Type 2 DM patients were delayed and found to be significant as compared to control group. Conclusion: The above study explains that if BAEP is recorded at higher frequencies like 6 KHz and at 80 dB, CN involvement can be detected earlier in diabetic patients. Hence, it is recommended to carry out BERA in diabetic patients at least once in a year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speech production and reading aloud studies have much in common, especially the last stages involved in producing a response. We focus on the minimal planning unit (MPU) in articulation. Although most researchers now assume that the MPU is the syllable, we argue that it is at least as small as the segment based on negative response latencies (i.e., response initiation before presentation of the complete target) and longer initial segment durations in a reading aloud task where the initial segment is primed. We also discuss why such evidence was not found in earlier studies. Next, we rebut arguments that the segment cannot be the MPU by appealing to flexible planning scope whereby planning units of different sizes can be used due to individual differences, as well as stimulus and experimental design differences. We also discuss why negative response latencies do not arise in some situations and why anticipatory coarticulation does not preclude the segment MPU. Finally, we argue that the segment MPU is also important because it provides an alternative explanation of results implicated in the serial vs. parallel processing debate.

Tinnitus is defined as phantom auditory perception without corresponding acoustic or mechanical correlates in cochlea. Existing evidence on its physiological basis is wide ranging, but its origin is still under exploration. To objectify this subjective phenomenon, Auditory Brainstem response test is used. The primary purpose of our study was to ascertain any significant difference in auditory electrophysiological response parameters in sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus group when compared to controls (normal hearing subjects). Secondary aim was to find correlation of these parameters with degree of hearing loss and severity of tinnitus. This was a case control study conducted in the department of Otorhinolaryngology in tertiary care hospital, New Delhi over a period of one and half years. The study comprised of one hundred and sixty patients out of which, fifty-five patients were sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus and fifty-one patients were normal hearing subjects. General medical and audiological assessment was done. Significant increase in latency of wave I, III, V and increase in inter peak latency of I–III, III–V, I–V was observed in tinnitus with sensorineural hearing loss group when compared to controls. It was reported that on increasing degree of hearing loss, there was increase in latency of wave I, III, V and increase in inter peak latency of wave I–III, I–V in the former group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) is an objective electrophysiological method for assessing the auditory pathway from the auditory nerve to the brain stem. To access the hearing pathway by BERA and compare differences in latency of wave five associated with age, gender and side of ear (left and right) in our set up. Total 257 patients were selected, there were 125 males and 132 females. All patients with auditory and vestibular complaint were assessed and underwent otoscopic examination, Pure Tone Audiometry (free field audiometry in children), Impedence and BERA. The analysis revealed that there has been progressive rise in latency (mean) of wave V with age, with a significant rise in latency in elderly individuals above 60. The analysis also revealed that that latency (mean) was higher in males than females in corresponding age group, also latency was higher in right ear in females but no such statistically significant relation could be established in males. There is still a need to have standardized set of absolute latency and interwave latency peak difference. Also in such cases of inclusion and exclusion needs to be mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Auditory brainstem response across preterm infants help in understanding difference if any in auditory maturation. Objective: To analyze and compare absolute and interpeak latencies of ABR in very preterm, moderate preterm and late preterm infants at term age. Method ABR traces were obtained from 148 ears of preterm infants (52 of very preterm, 44 of moderately preterm & 52 of late preterm) at term age. ABR was recorded with 11.1/s clicks at different intensity levels. Results Absolute latencies of peak I, III, V and interpeak latencies of peak I-V, I-III and III-V were analyzed and compared between three preterm groups. One way ANOVA was used to compare ABR parameters between three groups of preterm infants and also to compare ABR parameters across various gestation ages. There were no overall differences in absolute latencies, interpeak latencies and amplitude of ABR between preterm groups and across various gestation ages (P>0.05). Pearson correlation was used to find the correlation between gestation age and ABR parameters. However, no correlation was found. ABRs were similar among preterm groups at term age which reflects that the brainstem maturation is similar among preterm groups. Conclusion Gestational age at birth does not seem to influence absolute and interpeak latencies of ABR at term age. In preterm neonates, the findings lead to suggest that maturation of auditory pathway occurs in a similar manner in preterm infants regardless of gestational age at birth. We conclude that preterm birth alone as a risk factor does not appear to have any marked effect on the development of ABR at term age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypothyroidism, a common endocrinological disorder is quite prevalent in its subclinical state in the adult population. Nervous system involvement is frequent in hypothyroidism with documentation of peripheral and central conduction delays as abnormal latency prolongations in Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP) records. Subclinical hypothyroidism however, has been less extensively studied for investigating the involvement of the auditory functions. Aim: To assess the auditory functions and Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement in the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism by recording BAEP. Materials and Methods: The study comprised of 50 females (25 females with subclinical hypothyroidism and 25 age-matched healthy females) in the age-group of 30-50 years. BAEP absolute and Interpeak Latencies (IPLs) (I, III and V, I-III, III-V and I-V) were compared between the two groups by unpaired t-test. The p

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a reliable hearing examination. It reflects the integrity of synchronous neurons firing within the periphery auditory pathways. Hearing impairment on the first five years will cause speech and language delays; therefore, early detection of hearing loss is very important. Nowadays, there is still no ABR value reference in Indonesia. The aim of this study was to establish the ABR values in toddlers with normal hearing. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study on 198 subjects between the ages of 3 month and 5 years in the period of December 2008 to June 2011 at the Hearing and Speech Clinic, Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung. The hearing level were diagnosed by ABR examination in all subjects and the mean of ABR wave was calculated. Girls displayed shorter absolute latency of wave I, III and V, and interwave latency of I-III, III-V, and I-V compared to boys. The wave V latency in boys was 6.07 msec ±0.39 and 5.90 msec ±0.34 in girls. The 0–1 years old group have the longest absolute and interwave latencies. There was no significant differences in absolute and interwave latency between both ears in boys and girls. The conclusion of this study is the average wave V latencies in boys and girls are 6.07±0.39 msec and 5.90 ±0.34, respectively.

The article presents a study on physiologic changes that occur due to aging, imparing the neurotransmission in the auditory pathways. Details regarding the use of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) for healthy older adults, which provide a window into the temporal nature of neural processing are discussed.

Introduction: Neuropathy is one of the commonest complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Apart from having peripheral and autonomic neuropathy patients with type 2 DM may also suffer from sensory neural hearing loss, which is more severe at higher frequencies. However, few studies have done detailed evaluation of sensory pathway in these patients. In this study brain stem auditory evoked potential is used to detect the acoustic and central neuropathy in a group of patients with type 2 DM with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar. Aim: To study brain stem auditory evoked potential in patients of type 2 DM with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar and to correlate the various parameters e.g., age (years), weight (kilograms), height (meters), BMI (kg/m2 ), HbA1c (%) in patients with type 2 DM with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional comparative study conducted from January 2014 to January 2015. Total 60 patients with type 2 DM of either sex, between age groups of 35-50 years were enrolled from the Diabetic Clinic of Medicine department, of a tertiary care hospital. Based on the value of HbA1c, patients were divided in two groups with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar and with each group comprising of 30 patients. BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) was done in both the groups on RMS ALERON 201/401. Recordings were taken at 70dB, 80dB and 90dB at 2KHz frequency. Absolute latency of wave I, III, V and interpeak latencies I–III, III-V and I-V were recorded. Results: Mean±SD of the absolute latency of BERA waves I, III, V and interpeak latencies I–III, III-V and I-V at 2 KHz and at varying intensity of 70dB, 80dB and 90dB in uncontrolled group of DM were delayed and were significant as compared to controlled group of DM. Conclusion: If BERA is done in diabetic patients, central neuropathy can be detected earlier in uncontrolled groups of diabetic patients.

Tinnitus is thought to be an auditory phenomenon resulting from spontaneous neuronal activity somewhere along the auditory pathway either in the peripheral or central auditory system. The neural abnormalities underlying tinnitus are largely unknown. This study analysis the auditory brainstem responses in normal hearing patients with tinnitus. This study consisted of 100 patients divided into two groups. Group I (Control): 50 Normal hearing patients without tinnitus. Group II (Study): 50 Normal hearing patients complaining of tinnitus. Both groups were submitted to full audiological history taking, otological examination, basic audiologic evaluation and Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) followed by calculation of the absolute latencies of wave I, III and V and interpeak latencies between waves I-III, III-V and I-V. In the study group 20 patients showed abnormal results in at least 1 of the 6 parameters evaluated. The results of absolute latencies of wave I, III and V showed significant prolongation, but the interpeak latencies of waves I-III, III-V and I-V were not significantly prolonged when compared with control group. Our study data showed that there are changes in the central pathways in the study group. The significance of these changes must be investigated with further audiological and neurological tests. We also understand that ABR has to be included in the work up of tinnitus patients whose hearing is within normal parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neuropathy is one of the commonest complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Apart from having peripheral and autonomic neuropathy patients with type 2 DM may also suffer from sensory neural hearing loss, which is more severe at higher frequencies. However, few studies have done detailed evaluation of sensory pathway in these patients. In this study brain stem auditory evoked potential is used to detect the acoustic and central neuropathy in a group of patients with type 2 DM with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar. Aim: To study brain stem auditory evoked potential in patients of type 2 DM with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar and to correlate the various parameters e.g., age (years), weight (kilograms), height (meters), BMI (kg/m2), HbA1C (%) in patients with type 2 DM with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional comparative study conducted from January 2014 to January 2015. Total 60 patients with type 2 DM of either sex, between age groups of 35-50 years were enrolled from the Diabetic Clinic of Medicine department, of a tertiary care hospital. Based on the value of HbA1C, patients were divided in two groups with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar and with each group comprising of 30 patients. BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) was done in both the groups on RMS ALERON 201/401. Recordings were taken at 70db, 80db and 90db at 2KHz frequency. Absolute latency of wave I, III, V and interpeak latencies I-III, III-V and I-V were recorded. Results: Mean±SD of the absolute latency of BERA waves I, III, V and interpeak latencies I-III, III-V and I-V at 2 KHz and at varying intensity of 70db, 80db and 90db in uncontrolled group of DM were delayed and were significant as compared to controlled group of DM. Conclusion: If BERA is done in diabetic patients, central neuropathy can be detected earlier in uncontrolled groups of diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a noninvasive measurement of a stimulus-locked, synchronous electrical event. ABR provides information concerning the functional integrity of brainstem nuclei. Age is a key factor in the interpretation of ABR peak latency among different age groups. Progressively with time it follows a “maturation pattern” during which latencies decrease. Wave V is very prominent and reliable for detection of threshold in children. The present study was performed to see the effect of age related auditory maturation on ABR wave V latency in children. Subjects and Methods: The study involved 80 subjects ranging in age from birth to 12 years. The subjects were divided equally into eight age groups. ABR were elicited by an acoustic click stimuli, brainstem responses collected through electrode and recorded at the same time. Latency of wave V was acknowledged. Results: Wave V latency decreased rapidly in early childhood, became slower after 3 years of age and completely matured by 12 years of age. There was no significant difference in latency of wave V between the ears with age. Conclusions: There is a distinct maturation pattern of wave V latency in ABR for both ears. ABR is a reliable test to assess the functional maturation of wave V in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To establish normative data required for recording Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) using monaural stimulations in children with normal hearing. Methods: This study was conducted on 40 apparently healthy children. Database was collected after assessing with otological questionnaire, otoscopic examination and audiometric evaluation. Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) was used as a tool for establishment of normative data. ABR recordings by monaural presentation were obtained by following the standard test protocol given by Hall. Results: ABR parameters like Absolute latencies, amplitudes, amplitude ratios, Inter- peak latencies and thresholds were assessed for their normative values which are required to establish a baseline data. The Interaural latency difference was less than 0.2 ms (milliseconds) and was found to be normal limit. Mean values of absolute latencies for left ear were1.66 ms 3.68 ms and 5.64 ms respectively and for right ear these were 1.66 ms, 3.65 ms and 5.59 ms respectively. Mean values for amplitude of wave I and V for left ear were 0.32 uV and 0.41 uV respectively. For right values were 0.31 uV and 0.36 uV respectively. Mean values of amplitude ratio (V/I) for left and right ears were 1.81 and 1.74 respectively. Mean values of interpeak latencies of wave I-III, III-V, I-V were 2.02 ms, 2.02 ms and 3.92 ms respectively for left ear and for right ear values were 2.04 ms, 1.98 ms and 4.03 ms respectively. Mean values for left and right ear hearing threshold was 25.25 dBnHL. Conclusion: ABR parameters shows variation in values depending upon age, myelination process, maturation of auditory pathway, environmental factors, laboratory setup etc. Hence it is concluded that each laboratory should have its own normative data which can be used as a baseline data for screening of patients with hearing loss.

Background: This article presents clinically important details of recording and evaluating ABR details that will eventually be helpful in standardization of our neurophysiology lab, so that ABR recordings on a routine basis will produce better and meaningful results for interpretation. Aims & Objective: To establish normative data required for recording Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) using binaural stimulations in children with normal hearing. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 40 apparently healthy children with normal hearing. Database was collected following assessment with otological questionnaire, otoscopic examination. BERA was used as a tool for establishment of normative data. Standard test protocol given by Hall was followed for ABR recordings. Results: The Interaural latency difference was less than 0.2 ms (milliseconds) and was found to be in normal limit. Normative data was obtained and the mean values of absolute latencies for left ear were 1.77 ms, 3.73 ms and 5.70 ms respectively and for right ear these were 1.77 ms, 3.76 ms and 5.56 ms respectively. Mean values for amplitude of wave I and V for left ear were 0.36 uV and 0.56 uV respectively. For right values were 0.31 uV and 0.52 uV respectively. Mean values of amplitude ratio (V/I) for left and right ears were 3.06 and 1.80 respectively. Mean values of interpeak latencies of wave I-III, III-V, I-V were 2.01 ms, 2.03 ms and 3.89 ms respectively for left ear and for right ear values were 1.98 ms, 2.02 ms and 3.84 ms respectively. Mean values for left and right ear hearing threshold was 26.25 dBnHL. Conclusion: ABR parameters show variation in values depending upon age, myelination process, maturation of auditory pathway, environmental factors, laboratory setup etc. Hence it is concluded that each laboratory should have its own normative data which can be used as a baseline data for screening of patients with hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Blocking of the adenosine receptor in central nervous system by caffeine can lead to increasing the level of neurotransmitters like glutamate. As the adenosine receptors are present in almost all brain areas like central auditory pathway, it seems caffeine can change conduction in this way. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeine on latency and amplitude of auditory brainstem response(ABR). Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study 43 normal 18-25 years old male students were participated. The subjects consumed 0, 2 and 3 mg/kg BW caffeine in three different sessions. Auditory brainstem responses were recorded before and 30 minute after caffeine consumption. The results were analyzed by Friedman and Wilcoxone test to assess the effects of caffeine on auditory brainstem response. Results: Compared to control group the latencies of waves III,V and I-V interpeak interval of the cases decreased significantly after 2 and 3mg/kg BW caffeine consumption. Wave I latency significantly decreased after 3mg/kg BW caffeine consumption(p<0.01). Conclusion: Increasing of the glutamate level resulted from the adenosine receptor blocking brings about changes in conduction in the central auditory pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) have been previously investigated in subjects with Down''s syndrome (DS), but the published data are generally from children with hearing loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hearing pathway in normal hearing adult DS patients. Methods: We used ABRs to analyze absolute and interpeak latencies in 19 adult DS patients aged 18–45 years whose pure tone audiometry (PTA) test results indicated thresholds within normal limits, and 19 normal controls. Results: The DS sample showed statistically significant gender-related differences in interpeak interval III–V (p =0.015). The latencies of waves III and V, and interpeak intervals III–V and I–V, were significantly shortened in the DS patients than in the controls. Conclusions: Our findings may be due to the smaller brain sizes and simpler afferent auditory pathways of DS subjects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: The classic variants in superior articular facets of atlas such as, variability in shape, presence of notch, constrictions, partial or complete separation of facets, and presence of pressure facets, have been reported to a limited extent in relation to ergonomics of cranio-vertebral joint. Objective: The objectives of the present study were to report the analyzed morphological features and metrical values of superior articular facets of the atlas. The morphological features which were included in this study were variability in shapes, constrictions and partial or complete separation of facets. The metrical measure included the surface area measurement of the facets. Material and Methods: This study was carried out on 50 (100 sides) dry atlas vertebrae from the Department of Anatomy, St John's Medical College, Bangalore, India. The superior articular facets were studied for the shape and symmetry, constrictions and partial or complete separation of facets. The surface area of the facets were measured by using Image J (Image processing and analysis in JAVA) tool, that was primarily designed to measure and analyze different metrics. Results: The mean surface area on the right side was 157.3 ± 29.02, and on the left side, it was 158.5 ± 24.85. Oval, irregular, kidney and figure of eight shapes were observed either on both sides or on one side. Bilateral constrictions of facets were seen in 58 % of vertebrae. Bilateral, complete separations of facets were seen in 30% of vertebrae Conclusion: The observations of the present study are important to understand the ergonomics of the cranio-vertebral joint and they are helpful for academicians, neuro-surgeons, clinicians and radiologists in day to day clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypothyroidism, a common endocrinological disorder is quite prevalent in its subclinical state in the adult population. Nervous system involvement is frequent in hypothyroidism with documentation of peripheral and central conduction delays as abnormal latency prolongations in Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP) records. Subclinical hypothyroidism however, has been less extensively studied for investigating the involvement of the auditory functions., Aim: To assess the auditory functions and Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement in the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism by recording BAEP., Materials and Methods: The study comprised of 50 females (25 females with subclinical hypothyroidism and 25 age-matched healthy females) in the age-group of 30-50 years. BAEP absolute and Interpeak Latencies (IPLs) (I, III and V, I-III, III-V and I-V) were compared between the two groups by unpaired t-test. The p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant., Results: Mean BAEP absolute latencies (III and V) increased in the subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism as compared to controls (p<0.001) (both the ears) and wave I absolute latency also increased with p<0.001 (both the ears) by unpaired t-test. Among IPLs (interpeak latencies), III-V and I-V IPLs exhibited increase (p<0.01), while I-III IPL did not vary with statistical significance (both the ears) in the two groups., Conclusion: Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were found to demonstrate central as well as peripheral auditory pathway affections. BAEPs can prove valuable and sensitive tests to detect involvement of the CNS and auditory dysfunctions earlier in hypothyroidism.

Background and Objectives: Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a noninvasive measurement of a stimulus-locked, synchronous electrical event. ABR provides information concerning the functional integrity of brainstem nuclei. Age is a key factor in the interpretation of ABR peak latency among different age groups. Progressively with time it follows a "maturation pattern" during which latencies decrease. Wave V is very prominent and reliable for detection of threshold in children. The present study was performed to see the effect of age related auditory maturation on ABR wave V latency in children., Subjects and Methods: The study involved 80 subjects ranging in age from birth to 12 years. The subjects were divided equally into eight age groups. ABR were elicited by an acoustic click stimuli, brainstem responses collected through electrode and recorded at the same time. Latency of wave V was acknowledged., Results: Wave V latency decreased rapidly in early childhood, became slower after 3 years of age and completely matured by 12 years of age. There was no significant difference in latency of wave V between the ears with age., Conclusions: There is a distinct maturation pattern of wave V latency in ABR for both ears. ABR is a reliable test to assess the functional maturation of wave V in children., Competing Interests: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

Speech production and reading aloud studies have much in common, especially the last stages involved in producing a response. We focus on the minimal planning unit (MPU) in articulation. Although most researchers now assume that the MPU is the syllable, we argue that it is at least as small as the segment based on negative response latencies (i.e., response initiation before presentation of the complete target) and longer initial segment durations in a reading aloud task where the initial segment is primed. We also discuss why such evidence was not found in earlier studies. Next, we rebut arguments that the segment cannot be the MPU by appealing to flexible planning scope whereby planning units of different sizes can be used due to individual differences, as well as stimulus and experimental design differences. We also discuss why negative response latencies do not arise in some situations and why anticipatory coarticulation does not preclude the segment MPU. Finally, we argue that the segment MPU is also important because it provides an alternative explanation of results implicated in the serial vs. parallel processing debate.