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Updated: Sep 24, 2025
Semi-Automated Analysis of Peak Amplitude and Latency for Auditory Brainstem Response Waveforms Using R
Published on: December 9, 2022
COVID-19 during pregnancy and its impact on the developing auditory system
Sangamanatha Ankmnal Veeranna1, Patricia LeeAnn Youngblood1, Lucy Bradshaw1
1College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Speech and Hearing Sciences, J.B. George Building, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA.
Background:
This study compared distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) recorded from infants whose mother had Covid-19 during pregnancy (Covid-19 group) to infants whose mother did not have Covid-19 (Control group) during pregnancy.
Methods:
This study retrospectively examined records of infants in the Covid-19 group (n = 15) and control group (n = 46) who had distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) recorded as part of their clinical assessment. DPOAE amplitudes, absolute latencies (I, III, and V), and I-V interpeak intervals were examined.
Results:
DPOAE amplitudes were similar between the Covid-19 group and the control group. The absolute latency of wave I was similar between groups. But absolute latencies III and V and I-V interpeak intervals of the Covid-19 group were significantly prolonged compared to the control group.
Conclusion:
Covid-19 infection and its complications during pregnancy may not affect the cochlear function but may affect the functioning of the auditory brainstem.
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