Frequency-Following Response and Auditory Middle Latency Response: an analysis of central auditory processing in young adults

ABSTRACT Purpose: to compare the latency and amplitude of the Frequency-Following Response and the Auditory Middle Latency Response in typical individuals and those with altered auditory abilities, as well as to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of both assessments in relation to central auditory processing. Methods: 32 individuals of both sexes were distributed into Group 1 (without altered auditory abilities) and Group 2 (with altered auditory abilities). The groups were divided according to behavioral tests of central auditory processing. Individuals in both groups underwent auditory evoked potentials. Student’s t-test was used for analysis, considering a 5% significance. Results: in Group 2, V and A had higher latency and lower amplitude and slope. Group 2 also had lower Na and Pa amplitudes in waves A1C3 and A2C3. The Frequency-Following Response showed 93% sensitivity and specificity, while the Auditory Middle Latency Response showed 87% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Conclusion: the individuals presented with altered hearing abilities showed higher latency and lower response amplitude in the Frequency Following Response and Auditory Middle Latency Response compared to typical individuals. The Frequency- Following Response showed a better balance of sensitivity and specificity.

摘要
研究目的：对比典型听觉功能正常个体与听觉功能异常个体的频率跟随反应（Frequency-Following Response）及听觉中潜伏期反应（Auditory Middle Latency Response）的潜伏期与波幅，并探讨两种评估方式在中枢听觉处理相关评估中的敏感度与特异度。
研究方法：共纳入32名不同性别的受试者，依据中枢听觉处理行为测试结果分为两组：第1组（听觉功能正常组）与第2组（听觉功能异常组）。所有受试者均接受听觉诱发电位检测。数据分析采用Student t检验，设定5%为检验显著性水准。
研究结果：第2组受试者的V波与A波潜伏期更长、波幅及斜率更低；且在A1C3与A2C3波中，其Na及Pa波幅更低。频率跟随反应的敏感度与特异度均为93%，而听觉中潜伏期反应的敏感度为87%、特异度为93%。
研究结论：与听觉功能正常个体相比，听觉功能异常个体的频率跟随反应与听觉中潜伏期反应均表现出更长的潜伏期与更低的反应波幅；其中频率跟随反应在敏感度与特异度方面展现出更优的平衡表现。