[Results of recording frequency-specific acoustically evoked potentials with masked stimuli]

This study presents results of frequency-specific brainstem-evoked response audiometry using tone bursts in ipsilaterally notched noise. The technique used was described by Picton in 1979. Sixty-four children and adults were examined using this method. Differences between pure-tone behavioral thresholds and notched noise thresholds were calculated in 15 patients. Mean differences ranged from 1-3 dB and standard deviations from 8-17 dB for frequencies tested at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz. Differences in 12 children were calculated for thresholds obtained in a free-sound field. Maximum mean differences were 12 dB and standard deviations +/- 8 dB. These findings show that accurate frequency-specific thresholds can be obtained with brainstem-evoked response audiometry using tone bursts in notched noise.