Maturation of auditory steady-state responses in normal babies

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To track the development of the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) through the neonatal and early infant periods in a group of normal-hearing babies. DESIGN: This longitudinal study involved assessment at four data collection points. ASSR thresholds to modulated 500 Hz and 4 kHz tones were established in 20 full-term subjects at 0, 2, 4, and 6 wks of age. RESULTS: Significant developmental changes were observed for both test frequencies. Mean ASSR threshold levels decreased by approximately 10 dB between the week 0 and week 6 data collection points. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that ASSR threshold levels in normal-hearing neonates and young infants are differ..