ABR in newborns: Effects of electrode configuration, stimulus rate, and EEG rejection levels on test efficiency. (October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stevens, John; Brennan, Siobhan; Gratton, Denise; Campbell, Michael
• Is Part Of: International journal of audiology. Volume 52:Number 10(2013:Oct.)
• Page Start: 706
• Page End: 712
• Publication Date: 2013-10
• Subjects: Auditory brainstem response -- newborns -- electrode configuration -- stimulus rate -- EEG rejection level; Audiology -- Periodicals; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Deafness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Hearing Disorders -- Periodicals; Hearing -- Periodicals; 617.8
• DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2013.809482
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-2027

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study investigated the effect of electrode configuration, stimulus rate, and EEG rejection level on the efficiency of ABR testing in babies. Design: ABR to click stimuli at 40 dB nHL were simultaneously recorded from two electrode configurations, ipsilateral mastoid to high forehead (Mi-Fh) and nape to high forehead (N-Fh), with two EEG rejection levels (± 5 μV and ± 10 μV). Stimulus rates were between 39.1 and 69.1 per second. Efficiency was measured by confidence in the ABR for a given test time. Study sample: Thirty babies who had passed a targeted newborn hearing screen with ABR thresholds ≤ 40 dB nHL. Results: The N-Fh configuration, as expected, gave on average a larger response amplitude compared to the Mi-Fh configuration but was only marginally significantly better in terms of test efficiency. There was no significant effect of stimulus rate on test efficiency between 39.1/s and 59.1/s. The lower ± 5 μV EEG rejection level was more test efficient. Conclusions: This study provides some evidence that, for ABR threshold testing in babies, alternatives of ipsilateral mastoid or nape electrode and a range of stimulus rates have little or no effect on test efficiency. The results support the use of low EEG rejection limits.