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Especially prominent cochlear microphonic activity in the auditory brainstem response

Wayne J Wilson1, Kathryn J Sharp, Charlene Hansen

  • 1Division of Audiology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. w.wilson@uq.edu.au

International Journal of Audiology
|August 8, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study describes prominent cochlear microphonic (CM) activity in auditory brainstem response (ABR) waveforms that were present and not abnormal. It explores potential causes, adding to recommendations for CM recording in ABR testing.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Audiology
  • Otoacoustic Emissions

Background:

  • Recent guidelines recommend recording cochlear microphonic (CM) activity within auditory brainstem response (ABR) waveforms.
  • This is driven by previous findings of prominent CM activity in absent or abnormal ABRs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first instance of especially prominent CM activity in present and not grossly abnormal ABR waveforms.
  • To discuss the implications and potential causes of this finding.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of auditory evoked potential (AEP) waveforms.
  • Review of existing literature on CM activity and its causes.

Main Results:

  • Description of prominent CM activity in ABR waveforms that were otherwise normal.
  • Identification of potential non-pathophysiological and pathophysiological origins for prominent CM activity.

Conclusions:

  • Prominent CM activity can occur even in normal ABR waveforms.
  • Further investigation into the causes of prominent CM activity is warranted to refine ABR interpretation.

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