Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

Auditory Brainstem Response testing or (ABR) focuses on how well the auditory nerve functions from the cochlea (the organ of hearing) up to the brainstem. This test is used for two main reasons:

1. To rule out the possibility of a benign growth on the auditory nerve.
   
   
2. To evaluate the hearing ability of people who cannot tell us how well they can hear, as with infants or individuals with brain injuries.
   

During this test a patient's forehead and earlobes are scrubbed before the test. Then disc electrodes, similar to the electrodes for an EKG test, are placed in these mentioned areas. The patient is instructed to relax, even sleep if possible. Eye blinks and other muscle movements can interfere with the test. The patient hears a series of clicks, but does not need to respond. the electrodes measure the electrical signal travels from cochlea up to the brainstem. this process shows up as wave forms on the computer screen. The audiologist who performs the test measures these waves (they occur in a matter of 1/1000 of a second) and these measurements are compared to norms.

Please follow the instructions below for this test:

1. Wash hair and skin before the test; Do not use any oils or lotions


2. Do not wear makeup on forehead or earrings


3. Allow one hour for the test (an hour and a half for ABR/ECoG)
   
   
4. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants before the test
   
   
5. Relax. The key to a successful test is relaxation; Tense muscles can affect results