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Updated: May 5, 2026
Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations
Published on: July 1, 2015
Effect of infant prematurity on auditory brainstem response at preschool age
1Department of Audiology, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran .
Insights
Preterm birth impacts auditory brainstem response (ABR) timing in preschoolers. This study found differences in wave intervals, suggesting altered auditory processing in children born preterm.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Auditory Neuroscience
Background:
- Preterm birth is a known risk factor for various developmental conditions.
- Comprehensive examination of its long-term effects is crucial.
- This study focuses on auditory processing and brainstem structures in preschool-aged children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of preterm birth on auditory stimuli processing.
- To examine brainstem-level structural differences in preschool-aged children.
- To assess auditory brainstem response (ABR) characteristics in relation to preterm birth.
Main Methods:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing was conducted on 60 children aged 4-6 years.
- The study included 30 children born preterm (very or late preterm) and 30 full-term controls.
- Low rates of stimuli were used during the ABR testing.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were found in ABR inter-peak intervals (I-III and III-V) and absolute latency of wave III (P<0.019).
- No significant differences were observed in the amplitude of waves I or V.
- The ear tested did not influence the results.
Conclusions:
- Preterm birth affects ABRs and auditory stimuli synchronization in preschool-aged children.
- Findings suggest potential long-term alterations in auditory pathway development.
- Further longitudinal follow-up is recommended to understand the developmental trajectory.
Introduction:
Preterm birth is a risk factor for a number of conditions that requires comprehensive examination. Our study was designed to investigate the impact of preterm birth on the processing of auditory stimuli and brain structures at the brainstem level at a preschool age.
Materials And Methods:
An auditory brainstem response (ABR) test was performed with low rates of stimuli in 60 children aged 4 to 6 years. Thirty subjects had been born following a very preterm labor or late-preterm labor and 30 control subjects had been born following a full-term labor.
Results:
Significant differences in the ABR test result were observed in terms of the inter-peak intervals of the I-III and III-V waves, and the absolute latency of the III wave (P<0.019). No significant differences were observed in the amplitude of the I or V waves. The choice of test ear examined had no effect on the results.
Conclusion:
Our results indicate an effect of preterm birth on ABRs and synchronization of auditory stimuli at preschool age, and suggest the need for further follow-up over the coming years.
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