Assessing the applications of cortical auditory evoked potentials as a biomarker in children with cochlear implants

Abstract

EnAbstract Background Cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) are noninvasive measures used to quantify central auditory system function in humans. More specifically, the P1–N1–P2 cortical auditory evoked potential has a unique role in identifying the central auditory system that has benefited from amplification or implantation. P1 reflects the maturation of the auditory system in general as it has developed over time. Objective The aims of this study were to assess the CAEP in children with cochlear implants compared with age-matched controls, to study the different variables affecting the results, and to compare the pattern of P1 CAEP in cochlear implant patients compared with that in those with hearing aids. Methodology Thirty-five hearing-impaired children (using cochlear implants) were compared with 20 age-matched and sex-matched children with normal hearing. In both groups, P1 CAEP latency and waveform morphology were recorded using free-field auditory stimulation with tone bursts at 500 and 2000 Hz at 100 dB sound pressure level in two sessions that were 6 months apart. Results Children using cochlear implants exhibited prolongation of P1 latencies, indicating an overall delay in maturation when compared with that in children who could hear normally. P1 CAEP latency and amplitude improved significantly after 6 months of device use. Conclusion Standardized age-appropriate normative data on P1 CAEPs in the pediatric Egyptian population could be used to determine implantation or amplification results.