Seminars in Hearing Research at Purdue (SHRP)

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024
Time: 12pm - 1:00pm
Location:  NLSN 1215

Title: An Analysis of Subcortical and Thalamocortical Processes Exposed to Small Arms Fire-Like Noise.

Speaker: Meredith Christine Ziliak, PhD Candidate, BIO.

Abstract: The auditory brainstem response (ABR) and middle latency response (MLR) are auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) useful as diagnostic tools in the clinic and laboratory. Both AEPs consist of waveform components that indicate neuronal activation of structures and processes along the central auditory system (CAS), with ABRs corresponding to subcortical and MLRs to subcortical and thalamocortical regions. Typically, ABRs and MLRs are analyzed in isolation as they assess functionally and geographically distinct neuronal populations. They also require unique filters and processes for analysis. However, when ABRs and MLRs are not used in tandem, critical information is lost regarding the propagation of information from one CAS region to another, specifically from the subcortical to the thalamocortical. To better understand how damage affects auditory processing throughout the ascending pathway, it is paramount to analyze the CAS in a more holistic manner. Therefore, we have investigated the ABR and MLR of subjects exposed to a broadband small arms fire-like (SAF) noise inducing persistent reduced thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Previously having found indicators of hidden hearing loss through correlations between ABR thresholds and waveform components, we hypothesize waveform characteristics of the ABRs and MLRs will demonstrate idiosyncrasies indicative of altered transmission or diagnostic sensitivity between ABR and MLR measurements. In this presentation, we will discuss comparisons between ABR and MLR characteristics, as well as new methods of analysis for MLR waveform components.

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