[Auditory brain-stem response in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

Auditory brain-stem responses (ABRs) of 20 patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were studied. Their average I, V latencies and III-V intervals were significantly prolonged; the I-III intervals were statistically shortened; but the III latencies and I-V intervals basically were normal. ABRs of 16 patients were recorded again in 1-2 months following uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). All parameters except thresholds were not significantly different from preoperative ones. These results may imply that there may be some effects of OSAS on cochlea and auditory brain-stem structures and recovery is not easy.