Variables affecting the auditory brainstem response: audiogram, age, gender and head size

Correlations between the ABR (auditory brainstem response) and the variables of hearing loss, gender, head size and age were determined in simple and multiple regression analyses in 334 ears. The stepwise multiple regression analyses for waves I, III and V of the ABR was used to determine the relative importance of the variables. Regression equations were calculated for the latency of each wave. Wave I latency for all subjects is best predicted by hearing threshold at 8 kHz, gender and age, in that order. Wave III latency depends upon hearing threshold at 4 kHz, age and gender. The latency of wave V is best predicted by gender, age and head diameter with threshold at 4 kHz being of minor importance. The I-V interval depends upon head diameter and threshold at 8 and 4 kHz with age of minor importance. Hearing loss at 8 kHz would shorten the I-V interval, while a loss at 4 kHz would be expected to lengthen the interval. Correlations of these variables with the amplitude of I, III and V are also described. Latency and amplitude are correlated with different subject variables suggesting differences in their generation.