Normative data for 40-Hz event-related potentials to 500-Hz tonal stimuli in young and elderly subjects

Recordings of 40-Hz event-related potentials (ERPs) were obtained in 81 young subjects (18-40 years) and in 20 elderly subjects (60-77 years) with hearing normal for their age. The stimuli were 500-Hz logons. The first negative peak (N1) of the response was analyzed. With increasing intensity the amplitude of the responses increased and the latency decreased for all subjects. The 40-Hz ERP was obtained within 10 dB of the behavioral threshold for more than 80% of the population under study. The N1 was prolonged in latency and enhanced in amplitude in the older subjects. No differences were found between young and elderly subjects regarding binaural interaction, or in responses elicited by ipsi- and contralateral stimulation. From the clinical point of view, the 40-Hz ERP recordings of young and elderly subjects are similar.