Auditory evoked potentials with special populations

In this article we describe the use of AEPs as tests of both the hearing and neurological dysfunction common in many special populations. Although the audiologist is primarily interested in AEPs as tests of hearing, we attempted to highlight the potential effects neuropathological states can have on a diagnosis of hearing loss and, conversely, the effects peripheral hearing loss can have on a diagnosis of neuropathological states. Thoughtful interpretation of AEP findings must take into account the possible effects of each on the same set of AEP measures. This review of special populations also suggests a growing interest from some segments of the field of audiology in extending measures of higher auditory function - the MLR and late AEP - as biological or electrophysiological markers of central auditory system dysfunction. Incorporation of AEP measures into a central auditory test battery may open promising new areas of clinical research.