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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
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Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations
Published on: July 1, 2015
Comparison of reflex modification procedures and auditory brainstem response in high-risk neonates
E K Anday1, M E Cohen, H S Hoffman
1Department of Pediatrics, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|February 1, 1991
Summary
This study compared reflex modification (RM) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) in high-risk infants. Findings suggest shared neural pathways between startle response and auditory processing, aiding in infant neurodevelopment assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Assessing brainstem sensorineural processing in high-risk infants is crucial.
- Objective techniques are needed for reliable neurodevelopmental evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare reflex modification (RM) with auditory brainstem response (ABR) in high-risk infants.
- To investigate shared neural mechanisms between startle response and auditory processing.
Main Methods:
- 37 high-risk infants were tested using both RM and ABR.
- RM involved eyeblink-eliciting glabella taps, with and without a 90dB SPL tone.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used as a comparative measure.
Main Results:
- Seven infants failed ABR (increased brainstem conduction time).
- Eight infants failed RM (no significant reflex augmentation).
- Seven of the infants who failed RM also failed ABR.
Conclusions:
- Sensory stimuli impacting startle response and auditory processing share neural components.
- RM shows potential as an objective measure for brainstem processing in infants.
- These findings contribute to understanding neurodevelopmental pathways in high-risk infants.
