The ABR test (Auditory Brainstem Response) can be used to detect hearing loss. It examines your child’s brain’s reaction to sound. The evaluation is mostly done on infants and small children who are unable to respond to behavioural hearing tests due to their age.
Electrodes are placed on the scalp and forehead to measure brainwave activity. Tiny earphones will be placed in your child’s ears and soft sounds will be played. The test usually takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours.
There are many benefits to Auditory Brainstem Response Testing. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Early diagnosis of hearing loss
- Determining the type and severity of a hearing loss
- Helping to guide treatment decisions
- Can be used to monitor the effects of treatment over time
If your child is found to have hearing loss, the ABR test can help to determine the best course of treatment.
The Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test is a specialized test that checks how your child’s ears send information to the brain. ABR is safe and painless for your child and our specialists will gently clean your baby’s skin and tape some electrodes on the baby’s head. Sounds will be presented through earphones and your baby’s responses will be recorded by the computer. The test takes about an hour once the baby is asleep, so we ensure that your baby is asleep for the entire test.
If your child naps at a regular time each day, please try to schedule the test for that time. Here are some important considerations to prepare your baby before the appointment:
Try to keep your child awake for about one hour later than his/her usual bedtime.
Do not use creams or oils on the baby’s face, head or neck as these cause the electrodes to fall off the baby’s head.
Wake your baby about one hour earlier than usual, and keep him/her awake so he / she can be relaxed before the procedure.
Feed your baby very lightly.
It is important that your baby DOES NOT SLEEP until the appointment time.If your baby is awake the test cannot be doneWe will have to reschedule your appointment for another day.
At our clinic, we are experienced in providing Auditory Brainstem Response Testing (ABR). We have a team of audiologists who are specially trained to administer and interpret the test results.
If your child is found to have hearing loss, our audiologists will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your child’s needs.
An audiologist uses small earphones and soft electrodes (small sensor stickers) to measure how the hearing nerves and brain respond to sounds. The earphones play clicking noises, and the electrodes check how the hearing nerves and brain react to them.
An ABR test usually lasts 1–2 hours, but it might take up to 3 hours. If your sleeping child awakes during the exam, the test will take longer because he or she must fall asleep again in order to complete it. Children who have been sedated for an ABR may be taken to a recovery area once they awake from the anaesthesia.
No. ABRs are painless, non-invasive, and have no negative effects. Before the test, discuss the hazards and benefits with your health care provider or sedation team if your child requires sedation.
Bring anything you might need in order for your baby to sleep for the entire test, such as formula or milk, a large meal, extra formula or milk in case it is needed, extra diapers, pacifier, your baby’s favorite things, and a blanket. If your baby likes to sleep in a carrier or stroller, please bring it along.
If you are driving to the clinic have someone come along to play with the baby and keep him/her awake.
Come to the clinic 15 minutes before the appointment time to make your baby comfortable. Once settled in the test room and the electrodes are in place, you will be asked to feed your baby and let him/her fall into a natural sleep. Once your baby is asleep, the ABR test will begin.
