The frequency-following response as an assessment of spatial processing
Date
2019Author
Graydon, Kelly
Van Dun, Bram
Dowell, Richard
Rance, Gary
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
It is important to detect children with difficulties distinguishing speech-in-noise early. Prompt
identification may be assisted by an evoked potential. The aims of the present study were: 1) to evaluate
the frequency-following response (FFR) as a measure of binaural processing and spatial listening and, 2)
to investigate the relationship between the FFR and a behavioural measure of binaural processing and
spatial listening.
Design: A single group, repeated measures design. The FFR was recorded in two different spatial
conditions and amplitudes compared to spatial listening ability.
Study Sample: Thirty-two children (aged 6.0 to 13.1 years) with a range of spatial processing abilities as
measured behaviourally using the Listening in Spatialised Noise Sentences test (LiSN-S).
Results: FFR waveforms were elicited using speech-like stimuli in co-located and separated conditions.
A significant (p 0.005) spatial advantage effect was observed with larger amplitudes in the separated
condition. No correlations were observed between FFR amplitude and LiSN-S results.
Conclusions: The FFR shows promise as a measure of binaural processing and spatial listening, but could
be measuring different processes to those measured by the LiSN-S.