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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
12:03
A Method for Tracking the Time Evolution of Steady-State Evoked Potentials
Published on: May 25, 2019
Relationship between loudness growth function and auditory steady-state response in normal-hearing subjects.
Mikaël Ménard1, Stéphane Gallégo, Christian Berger-Vachon
1Université de Lyon, Lyon F-69003, France. mmenard@olfac.univ-lyon1.fr
Hearing Research
|December 21, 2007
Summary
Auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) closely correlate with perceived loudness, suggesting ASSRs can objectively measure loudness. This finding aids in understanding auditory perception and developing new audiological tools.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Psychoacoustics
- Audiology
Background:
- Loudness perception is crucial for auditory function.
- Objective measures of loudness are needed in audiology.
- Auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) reflect neural activity in response to sound.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) and loudness growth function.
- To determine if ASSRs can serve as an objective measure of perceived loudness.
Main Methods:
- Loudness growth functions were estimated at 500 Hz and 2000 Hz in 11 normal-hearing subjects.
- ASSR amplitudes were recorded at various stimulus intensities corresponding to specific loudness levels.
- Normalized data were analyzed using correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation (R²=0.81) was found between ASSR amplitude and loudness.
- Loudness significantly explained ASSR amplitude variations (p<0.001).
- Non-linearity in ASSR amplitude at low loudness levels was observed, potentially due to cochlear amplification and recording noise.
Conclusions:
- ASSR amplitude is a reliable indicator of perceived loudness.
- ASSRs show potential for objective loudness measurement in audiological assessments.
- Further research may refine ASSR-based loudness estimation, considering cochlear mechanics and noise factors.
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