An ear-canal electrode for the measurement of the human auditory brain stem response

A new electrode has been developed and evaluated for the measurement of the human auditory brain stem response (ABR). The goal of the electrode design was to enhance the amplitude and clarity of wave I without sacrificing wave V. The electrode consists of a foam rubber ear-plug through which a fine stainless steel wire has been threaded to make contact with the wall of the external auditory canal (EAC). The ABR measured between vertex and EAC was compared with that measured between vertex and mastoid. Results indicate that the vertex-to-EAC configuration yields a larger wave I than the vertex-to-mastoid configuration, with no loss in size or clarity of wave V.