Automated cortical auditory evoked potentials threshold estimation in neonates

Abstract Introduction: The evaluation of cortical auditory evoked potential has been the focus of scientific studies in infants. Some authors have reported that automated response detection is effective in exploring these potentials in infants, but few have reported their efficacy in the search for thresholds. Objective: To analyze the latency, amplitude and thresholds of cortical auditory evoked potential using an automatic response detection device in a neonatal population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study. Cortical auditory evoked potentials were recorded in response to pure-tone stimuli of the frequencies 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz presented in an intensity range between 0 and 80 dB HL using a single channel recording. P1 was performed in an exclusively automated fashion, using Hotelling's T2 statistical test. The latency and amplitude were obtained manually by three examiners. The study comprised 39 neonates up to 28 days old of both sexes with presence of otoacoustic emissions and no risk factors for hearing loss. Results: With the protocol used, cortical auditory evoked potential responses were detected in all subjects at high intensity and thresholds. The mean thresholds were 24.8 ± 10.4 dB NA, 25 ± 9.0 dB NA, 28 ± 7.8 dB NA and 29.4 ± 6.6 dB HL for 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz, respectively. Conclusion: Reliable responses were obtained in the assessment of cortical auditory potentials in the neonates assessed with a device for automatic response detection.

摘要 引言：皮层听觉诱发电位（cortical auditory evoked potential）的评估一直是婴儿听觉研究领域的科学研究热点。已有学者报道，自动化反应检测技术可有效获取婴儿的此类诱发电位，但鲜有研究探讨其在阈值探寻中的应用效能。研究目的：本研究旨在借助自动化反应检测设备，分析新生儿群体皮层听觉诱发电位的潜伏期、波幅与阈值。研究方法：本研究为横断面观察性研究。采用单通道记录方式，以强度范围0~80 dB HL的500、1000、2000、4000 Hz纯音刺激诱发皮层听觉诱发电位，并通过霍特林T²检验（Hotelling's T² statistical test）以完全自动化的方式完成P1成分的检测。由3名检查者手动获取潜伏期与波幅数据。本研究共纳入39名出生28天内的新生儿，男女不限，均耳声发射（otoacoustic emissions）检测阳性且无听力损失相关危险因素。结果：采用本研究方案时，所有受试者在高刺激强度及阈值条件下均能检测到皮层听觉诱发电位反应。500、1000、2000、4000 Hz对应的平均阈值分别为24.8±10.4 dB NA、25±9.0 dB NA、28±7.8 dB NA及29.4±6.6 dB HL。结论：借助自动化反应检测设备对新生儿进行皮层听觉诱发电位评估时，可获取可靠的反应信号。