Auditory steady-state responses (ASSR): effects of modulation and carrier frequencies

Presented are results relevant to extending the utility of the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) in threshold estimation at high-frequency carriers and to the accuracy of thresholds estimated using modulation frequencies near 40 versus 80 Hz. Initially, efforts were directed at confirming various findings reported in the literature apropos effects of several basic ASSR parameters. Results supplement others' observations suggesting that ASSR detection limits overestimate behavioral thresholds for conventional audiometric (carrier) frequencies from 500 to 4000 Hz. Further investigation revealed even greater errors of threshold estimates for 8000 and 12000 Hz, by about 14 and 22 dB on average, respectively. Although suggesting high-frequency ASSR testing to be efficacious, technical advances and additional work is needed to establish clinical utility. Comparison of effects of modulation frequency suggested ASSR thresholds with 40 Hz modulation to fall closer to behavioral threshold than those estimated at 80 Hz. Consequently, when circumstances permit, 40 Hz ASSR testing may be the method of choice (e.g. in the assessment of malingers, who may be tested awake/alert).