Some properties and applications of the N1-P2 complex (100-200 ms late
ncy) are reviewed. N1-P2 is currently the auditory-evoked potential (A
EP) of choice for estimating the pure-tone audiogram in certain subjec
ts for whom a frequency-specific, non-behavioural measure is required.
It is accurate in passively cooperative and alert older children and
adults. Although generally underutilized, it is an excellent tool for
assessment of functional hearing loss, and in medicolegal and industri
al injury compensation claimants. Successful use of N1-P2 requires sub
stantial tester training and skill, as well as carefully designed and
efficient measurement protocols. N1-P2 reflects conscious detection of
any discrete change in any subjective dimension of the auditory envir
onment. In principle, it could be used to measure almost any threshold
of discriminable change, such as in pitch, loudness, quality and sour
ce location. It is established as a physiologic correlate of phenomena
such as the masking level difference. Thus, N1-P2 may have many appli
cations as an 'objective' proxy for psychoacoustic measures that may b
e impractical in clinical subjects. Advances in dipole source localiza
tion and in auditory-evoked magnetic fields (AEMFs) have clarified the
multiple, cortical origins of N1 and P2. These potentials are promisi
ng tools for the neurophysiologic characterization of many disorders o
f central auditory processing and of speech and language development.
They also may be useful in direct 'functional imaging' of specific bra
in regions. A wide variety of potential research and clinical applicat
ions of N1 and P2, and considerable value as part of an integrated, go
al-directed AEP/AEMF measurement scheme, have yet to be fully realized
.