PP504 - Auditory Brain Response Waveform Morphology Uncovers Central Nervous System Ototoxicity

Rationale:  To test the hypothesis that ABR waveform morphology is an independent diagnostic measure.  Design:  The auditory brainstem of pigmented rats was used as a model system.  The animals were randomized into two experimental groups (N = 5 per group); jet fuel, and control.  To quantify ABR waveform morphology a bi-partition slope vector approach was employed at equal stimulus sensation and equal stimulus intensity.  Results:  The results revealed that waveform morphology was able to effectively differentiated normal from pathological conditions.  Conclusion:  The combined results suggest that waveform morphology may identify deficits when amplitude and latency measures are ambiguous. 

Summary:

Rationale:  It is known that patients who suffer with central auditory nervous system dysfunctions (CANSDs) may yield auditory brainstem response (ABR) amplitudes and latencies that fall within normal limits yet their waveform morphology is significantly altered from normal.  Such observations have fueled the notion that waveform morphology is an independent biomarker of CANSDs.  To test this hypothesis we created a jet fuel normal hearing threshold model of CANSDs.  If waveform morphology is sensitive to CANSDs, then it should be able to differentiate normal subjects from the CANSD models.  Design:  The auditory brainstem of pigmented rats was used as a model system.  The animals were randomized into two experimental groups (N = 5 per group); jet fuel, and control.  To quantify ABR waveform morphology a bi-partition slope vector approach was employed at equal stimulus sensation and equal stimulus intensity.  Results:  The results revealed that waveform morphology was able to effectively differentiated normal from pathological conditions.  Conclusion:  The combined results suggest that waveform morphology may identify CANSD when amplitude and latency measures are ambiguous.