Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2026
Data Acquisition and Analysis In Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry In Mice
Published on: May 10, 2019
Evaluation of brainstem auditory evoked response audiometry findings in children with tuberculous meningitis at
Ismail Topcu1, Sebahattin Cüreoğlu, Ahmet Yaramiş
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Dicle University, Kulak Burun Boğaz Anabilim Dai, 21280 Diyarbakir, Turkey. scureoglu@hotmail.com
Insights
Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) tests reveal prolonged latencies in children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Abnormal BAER findings were observed in 24% of TBM patients, indicating potential hearing impairments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Audiology
Background:
- Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a serious infection affecting the central nervous system in children.
- Auditory pathway involvement is a potential complication of TBM.
- Early detection of hearing impairment is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) findings in children diagnosed with TBM at the time of admission.
- To establish baseline BAER parameters for children with TBM before treatment initiation.
Main Methods:
- BAER recordings were conducted on 27 children with highly probable TBM and 23 healthy controls.
- Key BAER measurements included I-III, III-V, and I-V interpeak intervals.
- Abnormalities were defined as values exceeding 2.5 standard deviations above the control group mean.
Main Results:
- Significantly prolonged interpeak latencies were observed in TBM patients compared to controls.
- Abnormal BAER results were detected in 24% of ears at a click rate of 10 per second.
- Hearing loss (HL) was classified, with some cases showing no detectable waveforms even at high stimulus levels.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of children with TBM exhibit abnormal BAER findings upon admission.
- These auditory pathway abnormalities may be reversible with treatment and recovery from TBM.
- BAER serves as a valuable tool for assessing auditory function in pediatric TBM.
Objective:
To determine the characteristics of Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) findings in children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) at admission.
Methods:
Twenty-seven children with highly probable TBM were admitted to the University Hospital. The control group was 23 healthy, age and sex matched subjects. Brainstem response audiometry recording was performed in all patients and controls. Ninety dB sound pressure level (SPL) was used for comparisons. The main BAER measurements analysed were the I-III, III-V, I-V interpeak intervals. In statistical analysis, t-test for independent groups were performed. At the same time, for interpeak intervals, values exceeding 2.5 standard deviations (S.D.) above the means of the normal controls were considered abnormal. To the result of BAER findings, HL was classified as mild (until 40 dBHL), severe (until 80 dBHL) and total HL (no hearing was detected).
Results:
The latencies of interpeak intervals (except III-V latency at 10 per s) have significantly prolonged in comparison with controls. Mild HL was detected in four ears. In eight ears, any wave form could not be obtained at 110 dBSPL. Abnormal BAER result was seen in 13 of 54 ears (24%) at the click of 10 per s and five ears (12%) at the click of 50 per s.
Conclusion:
Abnormal BAER result was seen in 24% of patients with TBM before treatment. Depending on these findings, it can be inferred that hearing impairments must be lower than those values which was detected by BAER during the acute phase of TBM, since the abnormal BAER may be reversible following the illness, returning to normal with recovery.
