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The auditory brainstem response (ABR) test measures electrical signals in response to sound and is used to evaluate hearing and brain function. It is non-invasive and performed by a certified clinical audiologist. Abnormal results may require further tests by a doctor.
The brainstem, located at the junction of the spinal cord and the brain, is a vital part of the nervous system. It contains important neural structures responsible for many body functions, such as breathing, swallowing, balance and hearing. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is the electrical signal evoked by the brainstem in response to noise.
An auditory brainstem response test (ABRT), also known as an auditory brainstem evoked response test, is a neurological test used to measure the electrical signals induced by the brainstem as it responds to sound. It is a test used to evaluate hearing and brain function. Auditory brainstem response is measured in infants and young children to screen for hearing problems. It is also measured when a person shows signs of hearing impairment, a brain tumor, a balance disorder, or conditions that attack nerves, such as multiple sclerosis. Because it is involuntary, the auditory brainstem response is also used to test neurological integrity and hearing in those who are comatose, unresponsive, or have had a stroke.
A certified clinical audiologist will usually perform and interpret the auditory brainstem response test. The test is relatively simple, usually taking less than 30 minutes, and is non-invasive and painless. The auditory brainstem response is measured by attaching electrodes to the earlobes and scalp.
During the test, a series of clicking sounds are transmitted to the ear through the earphones, which stimulate the auditory nerves and the brain. The brainstem emits waves, or brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), in response to clicks and which are sensed by electrodes. The BAEPs and any changes that occur to them are then recorded and graphed.
Based on the graph’s highs and lows and their timing in relation to auditory stimuli, the audiologist can assess the health of the auditory nerves and any other neurological components that aid in hearing. The normal range for auditory brainstem response varies from patient to patient and with the equipment used to perform the test. The audiologist will take this into account when evaluating the results. If the audiologist determines that the results are abnormal, further tests by a doctor may be needed.
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