Human Brainstem Electrical Responses to Acoustic Signals

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Jewett and Williston [Brain 94, 681 (1971)], nsing conventional EEG scalp electrodes, recently demonstrated click-evoked electrical responses that appear during the first 10 msec post-stimulus and evidently reflect activity in the auditory nerve and progressively higher brain stem structures. We will describe experiments aimed toward developing a clinical audiometric test based upon these electrophysiological responses. Using clicks delivered at rates of 20–75/sec, and computer averaging of 2000 to 6000 responses, we have shown in 10 normal subjects that the wave labeled V by its discoverers increases in latency from 6 + 0.5 msec at a click intensity of approximately 60 dB SL to 8 or 9 msec at levels around 10 dB SL. The amplitude of wave V also declines as a function of decreasing intensity. Brief tones generate similar functions. Evidence that these responses are generated by the brain, not by muscle contractions or other antifactual sources, will be presented.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: