From:Aud Tewfiq Siliman(Kurdistan Audiology)Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

From:Aud Tewfiq Siliman(Kurdistan Audiology)Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

ABR testing is an electrophysiological measurement that allows the audiologist to obtain information about the condition of the inner ear and/or auditory nerve. It is the most critical procedure in the initial test battery because it is an accurate and reliable predictor of hearing loss in infants who are too young to respond to behavioral testing. ABR should include Clicks, Tone bursts, and Bone Conduction testing. The ABR measurement provides information on the degree, type, and configuration of a hearing loss and allows the audiologist to fit an infant with a hearing aid when needed.

Generally, infants less than 6 months of age do not need sedation for this test. When sedation is needed, the ABR is conducted in a special clinic room or hospital operating room. In either case, a physician must be on site and a medical professional must monitor the infant’s vital signs while the audiologist is performing the ABR. There are helpful techniques for preparing an infant for an ABR (with and without sedation).