Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing

An Auditory brainstem response (ABR) test is a crucial diagnostic hearing assessment, especially for young children. This non-invasive, painless test objectively and accurately identifies potential hearing problems, making it an excellent choice for individuals of all ages.

At Aurora Health Care, our experienced audiologists utilize the latest equipment to detect hearing issues early, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment.

What to know about the ABR test process

The ABR test typically takes one to two hours to complete. During the test, it's essential to maintain quiet and minimize movement, which may require sedation for some children and infants.

ABR test preparation

If you or your child is scheduled for an ABR test, you will discuss testing procedures with your audiologist. They’ll provide specific instructions and answer any questions.

Here's some general tips on what you can expect and how to prepare:

• Inform your doctor about any medications you or your child are taking, as certain medications can impact the ABR test results.
• Ensure your ears are clean and free of wax. If excessive earwax is present, your audiologist may need to remove it to ensure accurate test results.
• When bringing a child for the test, consider bringing items from home that comfort your child, such as a stuffed animal or blanket.

The ABR test procedure

During an ABR test, your child will be sitting, or you will hold your infant, while the test is being performed. Your audiologist will attach small adhesive recording devices known as electrodes to the forehead and ears. These electrodes send signals from the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound. These signals are transmitted to a computer, providing insights into the functionality of these pathways.

Benefits of ABR testing for hearing evaluation

The ABR test offers numerous advantages in the evaluation of hearing health:

• Early Detection: ABR testing can identify hearing issues in newborns, allowing for early intervention and treatment, which is critical for language development and overall well-being.
• Accurate diagnosis: ABR can pinpoint the specific location and nature of hearing problems. This accuracy helps healthcare professionals develop tailored treatment plans.
• Comprehensive evaluation: It complements other hearing assessments, providing a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's hearing health.
• Customized intervention: With ABR test results, healthcare providers can create personalized treatment strategies, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or therapeutic interventions, to address hearing loss effectively.
• Monitoring progress: ABR can be used to track the effectiveness of treatments and assess improvements in hearing function over time.
• Objective assessment: Unlike traditional hearing tests, ABR provides objective data about hearing function. It's not reliant on a patient's response, making it suitable for those who can’t communicate effectively or may have difficulty participating in tests.

Interpreting ABR test results

After your ABR test, the results will be reviewed by your audiologist or provider. The results typically include several key components:

• Amplitude: Amplitude measures the strength of the response. Reduced amplitude can suggest hearing impairment.
• Bilateral comparisons: Comparing responses from both ears can help identify if the hearing loss is unilateral or bilateral.
• Hearing threshold: ABR results can determine the softest sounds an individual can hear.
• Latency: This measures the time it takes for the brainstem to respond to the sound stimulus. Prolonged latency may indicate hearing issues.
• Waveform analysis: The shape and size of the recorded waveforms provide valuable information about the integrity of the auditory pathway.

The audiologist will explain the results to you, discuss possible implications, and recommend any necessary interventions or treatments.

ABR testing at Aurora Health Care

If you have been referred to an audiologist for an ABR test or have been considering scheduling one, Aurora Health Care is here for you. Our expert team of audiologists will guide you through the process, ensuring your comfort and understanding at every step.