Analog and zero phase-shift digital filtering of the auditory brain stem response waveform

Auditory brain stem response waveforms, derived from normal ears, were analyzed with a computer-based digital filtering program as a means of systematically evaluating the effects of phase-shift distortion. Off-line analysis involved the stimulated responses of a Butterworth-type filter at five high-pass and four low-pass frequencies, three filter slopes, and standard versus zero phase-shifting. Phase-shift, as seen with analog filters, proved to be a major cause of waveform distortion including significant latency and amplitude changes. A discussion on the need and use of digital filtering as well as suggested analog filter parameter settings is included.