The effect of broadband noise on the human brain-stem auditory evoked response. IV. Additivity of forward-masking and rate-induced wave V latency shifts

The additivity of forward masking and repetitive stimulation effects on wave V of the brain-stem auditory evoked response (BAER) was investigated. The effects of repetitive stimulation were evaluated for a stimulus train (called the adaptation series), with a 12.5-ms within-train interclick interval. The forward masker was a 100-ms, 80-dB SPL broadband noise with forward-masker intervals ranging from 12.5–87.5 ms. Forward masking and repetitive stimulation increased the latency of wave V of the BAER. The combined forward masking/adaptation series produced less wave V latency shift than the summed individual effects. Forward masking reduced wave V amplitude at brief forward masker intervals, while repetitive stimulation did not affect wave V amplitude. Wave V amplitude was decreased for the combined forward masking/adaptation series, and the time course of amplitude recovery of the combination was prolonged compared to the forward masking alone condition. The nonadditivity of forward masking and rate effects on wave V latency is similar to that found for repetitive stimulation and simultaneous masking [Burkard and Hecox, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 74, 1204–1213 (1983)]. These findings are consistent with the position that forward masking and rate effects on wave V latency are produced by overlapping mechanisms.