ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) testing is performed in a 6-month-old infant. Waves I, III, and V are identified. Which of the following correctly describes Wave V of ABR?
- A Generated by cochlear hair cells; threshold used for pure tone estimation
- B Generated by inferior colliculus; most robust wave used for threshold estimation ✓
- C Generated by auditory cortex; affected in central hearing loss only
- D Generated by dorsal cochlear nucleus; used only for site-of-lesion testing
Correct answer: B. Generated by inferior colliculus; most robust wave used for threshold estimation
Explanation
ABR Wave V is generated by the inferior colliculus (or lateral lemniscus–inferior colliculus junction). It is the most robust, largest amplitude wave and appears at the lowest stimulus intensities — making it the wave used for threshold estimation in newborn hearing screening and objective audiometry. Wave I arises from CN VIII, Wave II from cochlear nucleus, Wave III from superior olivary complex, and Wave IV from lateral lemniscus.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.