Auditory processing from the perspective of auditory electrophysiological assessment

To describe sound processing in the auditory system based on auditory evoked potentials.

A literature review was conducted on auditory processing from the perspective of electrophysiological auditory assessment, considering both classical and current studies in the field.

Studies addressing auditory evoked potentials and their relationship with sound encoding, decoding, discrimination, perception, and semantic congruence processes were included.

Data were analyzed in a descriptive and critical manner, integrating information on different auditory evoked potentials and their respective roles in auditory processing.

The auditory system organizes and encodes acoustic features, such as frequency, intensity, and temporal modulations, transforming them into neural representations interpreted by the cortex. Auditory evoked potentials provide information on encoding, decoding, discrimination, perception, and semantic congruence processes. The frequency-following response evaluates the accuracy of neural encoding of sounds, especially speech; cortical auditory evoked potentials reflect advanced processes of encoding, decoding, and discrimination; and the N400 is associated with semantic congruence, elucidating cognitive auditory processing.

Auditory evoked potentials are important tools for evaluating auditory processing, contributing to the diagnosis of disorders and to the monitoring of auditory performance across different populations.