Novel Paradigm to Record Bilateral Click-Evoked Auditory Brainstem Responses Simultaneously (BiSi-ABR)

The current study proposes a new and fast technique to record the auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) simultaneously (BiSi-ABR) from two ears. The BiSi-ABR technique can be used to record the ABRs two times faster than with a conventional ABR recording method. The objective of the study was to show the proof of concept and to compare the BiSi-ABR technique with that of a conventional ABRs recording method to test its clinical feasibility.

A repeated-measures design was used, wherein ABRs recorded in the BiSi-ABR were compared with that of conventional ABRs recordings. Twenty-five normal-hearing adults participated in the study. ABRs were recorded using the BiSi-ABR technique, as well as the conventional method. The peak latencies (in ms) of waves III and V between the new technique and conventional method were compared. The minimum intensity at which the wave V was present was tracked using both the methods.

The wave latencies and thresholds of ABR using the BiSi-ABR technique were remarkably similar to those recorded in the conventional ABR technique. The ABR wave latencies and thresholds did not differ significantly between the new technique and the conventional method.

ABRs recorded with the BiSi-ABR technique can be used to estimate ear-specific hearing thresholds with the same reliability as that of conventional ABRs, in half the recording time. The results of the study have strong implications for screening, diagnostic, and research purposes as they aid in cutting down the ABR testing time.