Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) in tobacco smokers.

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were studied in 10 chronic male tobacco smokes (average age 26.55 years) with history of smoking 3 to 14 years to detect early subclinical impairments in auditory pathway. The values of BAEPs were compared with those of 28 age matched normal male non-smokers (control). The results revealed significant prolongation of latencies of wave I and III indicating that conductivity of sensory impulse along acoustic nerve and pons is affected in chronic smokers which may be attributed to adverse effect on myelination by nicotine and toluene present in tobacco smoke.