Using an auditory oddball paradigm, ERPs were recorded in 63 mentally and physically normal children ages 6 to 13 years. Parietal, central, and frontal ERP long-latency components (N1, P2, N2, P3) were measured in each test participant.
Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant linear decrease in P3, P2, N2, and N1 latencies and a significant linear increase in P3, P2, and N1 amplitudes in children between the ages of 6 and 13 years. P3 latency was significantly longer in children ages 6-7 years than in older children. The parietal P3 latency decreases 6.7 msec per year from ages 6 to 13 years. A wide variation in P3 latency in the children ages 6-7 years and a significant increase in P3 amplitude in those ages 12-13 years were observed from our data. A significant increase in P2 amplitude was also observed in children older than 10 years.
The authors conclude that there exists an age-related change in ERP latency and amplitude during childhood. A negative correlation between ERP latencies and age and a positive correlation between ERP amplitude and age were found in this study. The authors emphasize that the auditory ERP value in children is not equal to that of adults. A normative auditory ERP value in children should be established prior to clinical application.