Auditory steady-state evoked potentials (ASSEPs): a study of optimal stimulation parameters for frequency-specific threshold measurement in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To define the optimal stimulation parameters (AM/FM vs AM alone and modulation rate) for frequency-specific threshold measurements using ASSEPs in dogs. Dependent variables were thresholds and recording times needed to obtain a response at threshold. To compare the ASSEP threshold results obtained with the optimal stimulation parameters to those obtained with the Tone-Burst/Auditory Brainstem Response (TB/ABR) combination.

METHODS

Thirty-two sedated Beagle puppies were tested at 5 audiometric frequencies (0.5-8 kHz) and 6 ASSEP modulation rates (21-199 Hz).

RESULTS

The ASSEP threshold-modulation rate functions had a high-pass profile with corner frequencies of 101 Hz for 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz carriers and of 151 Hz for 4 and 8 kHz carriers. AM stimuli did not yield higher thresholds than the AM/FM ones except at 1 kHz. Modulation type had no effect on testing duration. Audiometric profiles were obtained much more rapidly with ASSEPs than with TB/ABRs (mean: 50 vs 135 min). Both ASSEP and TB/ABR provided thresholds estimates characterized by low intersubject variability.

CONCLUSIONS

ASSEPs are a valid and rapid method for audiometric assessment in sedated dogs.

SIGNIFICANCE

ASSEPs offer a new, competitive tool for frequency-specific assessment of hearing in the canine species.