The Electrically Evoked Cortical Auditory Event-Related Potential in Children With Auditory Brainstem Implants

Objective: This study explored the feasibility of measuring electrically evoked cortical auditory event-related potentials (eERPs) in children with auditory brainstem implants (ABIs). Design: Five children with unilateral ABIs ranging in age from 2.8 to 10.2 years (mean: 5.2 years) participated in this study. The stimulus was a 100-msec biphasic pulse train that was delivered to individual electrodes in a monopolar stimulation mode. Electrophysiological recordings of the onset eERP were conducted in all subjects. Results: The onset eERP was recorded in four subjects who demonstrated auditory perception. These eERP responses showed variations in waveform morphology across subjects and stimulating electrode locations. No eERPs were observed in one subject who received no auditory sensation from ABI stimulation. Conclusions: eERPs can be recorded in children with ABIs who develop auditory perception. The morphology of the eERP can vary across subjects and also across stimulating electrode locations within subjects.