Relationship between head size and latency of the auditory brainstem response.

This investigation examines the relationship between the head size of 22 normally hearing individuals and the latency of their respective auditory brainstem responses (ABR). The absolute latency of wave V and the I-V interpeak interval were examined in 12 female and 10 male subjects with varying head sizes. Strong positive correlations were obtained between head size and the latency of both wave V and the I-V interpeak interval. The evidence suggests that this relationship is based upon subject differences in brain size which is reflected in head size. Head size appears to be an important source of intersubject variability which should be considered in order to increase the clinical usefulness of the ABR.