Test-retest variability of the auditory brainstem response to bone-conducted clicks in newborn infants

The variability of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) to bone- and air-conducted clicks was investigated utilizing a test-retest paradigm with 20 normal full-term newborn infants. ABRs to bone-conducted clicks at 15 and 30 dB nHL and air-conducted clicks at 30 dB nHL were obtained. The delivery of the bone-conducted signal was controlled. ABR wave V latencies were measured from each test-retest stimulus condition. The results indicated no statistically significant difference in test-retest variability of ABR wave V latencies or amplitudes between bone- and air-conducted clicks. ABRs to bone-conducted clicks, under controlled clinical conditions, are as reproducible and reliable as ABRs to air-conducted clicks in newborn infants.