Comparative Analysis of Reference Values of P1, N1, P2, and N2 Components of the CAEP: Influence of Acquisition and Marking Methods

• Grant number: 25/10431-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Carla Gentile Matas
• Grantee: Carolina Hikari Koga Usami
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction:Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials (CAEP) are bioelectrical responses related to auditory perception and cognition, recorded between 80-600 ms after acoustic stimuli. The P1-N1, P2-N2 complexes and the P3 component are fundamental for studying auditory and cognitive functions, being influenced by factors such as attention and neuropsychological conditions. The administration of CAEP examinations follows specific protocols to ensure the accuracy of results, taking into account variations in the marking of components. These approaches are essential for understanding neurological and auditory conditions.Objectives: To investigate possible differences in the reference values of the P1, N1, P2, and N2 components in relation to different acquisition and marking methods.Method: Participants will initially be assessed through anamnesis, meatoscopy, followed by immittance audiometry, pure-tone and speech audiometry, and finally CAEP testing. The anamnesis aims to gather information about clinical history, such as auditory complaints and the use of ototoxic medications. Meatoscopy will verify obstructions in the auditory canal. Immittance audiometry will assess the mobility of the ossicular chain and acoustic reflexes. Pure-tone audiometry will identify hearing thresholds, while speech audiometry will evaluate speech recognition. For the CAEP, stimuli of 1 kHz (frequent) and 2 kHz (rare) will be used to record cortical responses, with the analysis conducted by two evaluators. A descriptive analysis of the data will be performed, along with normality tests (Shapiro-Wilk and histograms). For inferential analysis, parametric tests (ANOVA) or non-parametric tests (Friedman) will be applied, considering p<0.05 as significant and adjusting results with appropriate post-hoc tests (Bonferroni or Wilcoxon). (AU)