Abstract

Background: Auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) are very small electrical voltage potentials signal generated by a sound through the auditory pathway. Age and gender influence on the brainstem AEPs (BAEPs) deserve keen appraisal for correct clinical application and inference.

Aims and Objectives: Aims and objectives of the study were to get normal range of interpeak latencies (IPLs) and amplitude of waveforms of BAEP in healthy normal person.

Materials and Methods: BAEPs from either ear of normal hearing 150 men and 145 women in 1-73 years age range were studied. Absolute IPLs of waves I-III, III-V, and I-V were examined in reference to influence of age and gender.

Result: The IPLs of waves I-III value are significantly higher in males in ≥45 years age groups than in females. The IPLs of waves I-III value are highest 1-14 years age groups and 35-44 years age group in males and females, respectively. The IPLs of waves III-V value are highest 25-34 years age groups and ≥45 years age groups in males and females, respectively. The IPLs of waves III-V value are significantly higher in females in ≥45 years age groups than in males. The IPLs of waves I-V value are highest 1-14 years age groups and ≥45 years age groups in males and females, respectively.

Conclusion: Significant changes in IPLs of waveforms of BAEPs in our study support the possible role of age and gender as contributive factors for normal variations.

Key words: Inter Peak Latencies; Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials; Auditory Pathway; Hearing; Healthy Person