Deconvolution of auditory evoked potentials obtained at high stimulus rates

High stimulation rate acquisition of Auditory Brainstem and Middle Latency Responses is accomplished using a newly developed time-domain technique, Continuous Loop Averaging Deconvolution (CLAD). Unlike previously developed deconvolution methods, CLAD provides the capability to generate a large variety of stimulation sequences. Data was acquired from 4 ears at 6 stimulation rates from 58.6 to 507.8 per second and intensity levels from 70 to 0 dB HL. The selected CLAD sequences generated good quality recordings with the most important peak components being discernible. As expected, the higher stimulation rates and lower stimulation intensities produced peaks with prolonged latencies and lower amplitudes. The developed technique provides a valuable tool for stress testing the auditory system function at very high stimulation rates.