Abstract: Objective To analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of speech-evoked auditory brainstem response (speech-ABR) in typically developed preschool children of different ages and genders, and to understand the development of auditory processing abilities in this population. Methods A total of 120 typically developed preschool children participating in the Nanjing norm study of the Preschool Auditory Processing Assessment Scale in August 2021 were selected for speech-ABR testing.Age and gender differences in speech-ABR parameters, as well as their influencing factors, were analyzed. Results 1) Statistically significant differences in the amplitude of the C-wave were observed among the 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old groups (H=6.950, P<0.05).Post-hoc pairwise comparisons revealed a significant difference between the 5- and 6-year-old groups (P=0.012).2) Boys exhibited prolonged latencies in waves V (Z=3.449), A (Z=2.845), D (Z = 2.111), F (Z=3.450), and O (Z=2.856) compared to girls (P<0.05).Wave amplitudes showed no significant gender-based differences (P>0.05).3) Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that male gender was associated with longer V-wave latency (β=0.290).Maternal pregnancy age at 25-29 years old (reference:≥35 years old) was associated with shorter V-wave latency (β =-0.219).Preterm birth<37 weeks (reference:≥37 weeks) was associated with shorter C-wave latency (β=-0.254).Higher maternal education level of bachelor′s degree or above (reference: college-educated group) was associated with greater V-wave amplitude (β =-0.200) (all P<0.05). Conclusions Speech-ABR responses in preschool children show significant gender-based differences, with minimal age-related variations.Maternal age at pregnancy, gestational age, and maternal education level may influence brainstem encoding abilities.

Key words: speech evoked auditory brainstem response, preschool children, gender difference, auditory processing

摘要： 目的 分析不同年龄、性别的典型发育学龄前儿童言语声诱发听性脑干反应(speech-ABR)的特征及其影响因素,了解学龄前儿童听处理能力的发展。方法 选取2021年8月参与《学龄前儿童听处理评估量表》南京常模研究中典型发育的120例学龄前儿童进行speech-ABR测试,分析 speech-ABR的年龄、性别差异及影响因素。结果 1)4、5、6岁组间C波振幅差异有统计学意义(H=6.950,P<0.05),两两比较示5岁与6岁组间C波振幅差异有统计学意义(P＝0.012)。2)男童的V(Z=3.449)、A(Z=2.845)、D(Z=2.111)、F(Z=3.450)、O波(Z=2.856)潜伏期较女童延长(P<0.05);各波振幅受性别影响小(P>0.05)。3)逐步多元线性回归结果显示,男童较女童的V波潜伏期更长(β=0.290),母亲妊娠年龄25~29岁组比≥35岁组V波潜伏期更短(β=-0.219);与足月生产组(≥37周)相比,早产组(<37周)(β=-0.254)C波潜伏期更短;与本科及以上学历组相比,母亲学历(β=-0.200)大专组的V波振幅更小 (P<0.05)。结论 学龄前儿童speech-ABR存在性别差异,年龄差异较小;母亲妊娠年龄、胎龄、母亲学历可能对脑干编码能力产生影响。

关键词: 言语诱发听性脑干反应, 学龄前儿童, 性别差异, 听处理