Gender Variations in Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials in Emerging Adults of Northern India

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) aid in the diagnosis of probable neurologic disorders of the VIIIth cranial nerve, the associated auditory pathways, and an estimation of hearing sensitivity, for those who are unable to reliably provide information through behavioural hearing evaluations. BAEPs exhibit variabilities due to numerous pathologic and non-pathologic factors. One of the factors that may have a significant impact on typical BAEPs is gender. Although there are numerous studies documenting gender as an influencing factor on auditory evoked potentials in older subjects, there are few comparable studies among subjects who are just entering adulthood.

The current study aimed to understand the pattern of gender-based differences in BAEPs among emerging adults of Northern India.

The present study was conducted on 120 normal subjects (70 females, 50 males) who were relatives (second degree) of the patients belonging to Northern India aged between 19 and 25 years old, at the Institute of Medical Sciences. Absolute latencies I, III, V and Inter-peak latencies I-III, I-V, III-V were measured separately for both ears. Statistical analysis was done by using the independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test based on normality through SPSS version 20.0.

Results revealed a statistically significant difference in absolute latency of Wave I and inter-peak latency (IPL) of I-III, I-V in the right ear and in the left ear. Wave III and IPL III-V were found to be significant. Females showed shorter absolute latencies and IPLs as compared to males.

Significant alterations in BAEPs provide evidence for the potential contribution of gender as an influencing factor in emerging adulthood.