A group sequential test for ABR detection.

To detect the auditory brainstem response (ABR) automatically using an innovative sequentially applied Hotelling's   test, with the overall goal of optimising test time whilst controlling the false-positive rate (FPR). The stage-wise critical decision boundaries for accepting or rejecting the null hypothesis were found using a new approach called the Convolutional Group Sequential Test (CGST). Specificity, sensitivity, and test time were evaluated using simulations and subject recorded data. Data consists of click-evoked ABR threshold series from 12 normal hearing adults, and recordings of EEG background activity from 17 normal hearing adults. Reductions in test time of up to 40-45% were observed for the sequential test, relative to a conventional "single shot" test where the statistical test is applied to the data just once. To obtain these results, it will occasionally be necessary to run the test to a higher number of stimuli, i.e. the maximum test time needs to be increased. The CGST can be used to control the specificity of a sequentially applied ABR detection method. Doing so can reduce test time, relative to the "single shot" test, when considered across a cohort of test subjects.