[Amplitude modulation following responses in audiological diagnostics]

The registration of brainstem potentials currently represents one of the most common methods in objective audiological diagnostics. However, regardless of their use, they are still known to possess important disadvantages, such as low specificity and validity in the lower frequency range due to broadband stimuli, or uncertainties due to the need for subjective evaluation. One potential solution to these problems could involve the registration of amplitude modulation following responses (AMFR). These potentials are being discussed much more regularly within the anglo-american literature due to their known frequency specificity within the high frequency range (resulting from a very narrow frequency band of stimulation), and also their ability to permit assessment of the hearing threshold at lower frequencies. Another additional advantage of AMFR results from the simple statistical verification of its presence.Extensive studies on the influence of both stimulating and recording parameters have also shown that the registration of AMFR could prove to be a very promising audiological tool, with past interest being focussed primarily on the optimal modulation frequency, the influence of vigilance of the generation of potentials, and the precise assessment of an objective threshold.