Differential effect of adaptation on the ipsi- and contralateral auditory brainstem pathways.

Auditory brainstem potential components II and V are delayed in the contralateral recording in comparison with that ipsilateral to the stimulus. Wave III is recorded earlier contralaterally. The effect of increasing stimulus repetition rate on the ipsilateral/contralateral latency differences in these components was examined. There is a progressive increase in latency from Wave I to Wave V ipsilaterally with an increase in stimulus rate; however, contralaterally there is no further increase in latency after Wave III. At 40 Hz stimulus rate, therefore, the ipsi/contra difference in the latency of Wave V disappears, suggesting that there is a differential effect of peripheral and central adaptation on the ipsilateral and contralateral auditory pathways.