Auditory Brain Response Test
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) audiometry is a neurological test of auditory brainstem function in response to auditory (click) stimuli. First described by Jewett and Williston in 1971, ABR audiometry is the most common application of auditory evoked responses.
ABR audiometry refers to a non-behavioral way to measure hearing sensitivity. An ABR presents sound and uses electrodes to measure brain activity, allowing the measurement of hearing sensitivity.
More specifically, the test measures evoked potentials generated by a brief click or tone burst (transmitted from an acoustic transducer in the form of an insert earphone or headphone). The elicited waveform response is measured by surface electrodes typically placed on the forehead and ear lobes. The amplitude (microvoltage) of the signal is averaged and charted against the time (millisecond). The waveform peaks are labeled (generally 5 peaks) and these waveforms normally occur within a 10-millisecond time period after the stimulus is presented. From the presence and absence of these peaks hearing sensitivity is measured.
Although the ABR provides information regarding auditory function and hearing sensitivity, it is not a substitute for a formal hearing evaluation, and results should be used in conjunction with behavioral audiometry whenever possible.
Average Adult ABR Test
Normal Adult Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) audiometry waveform response.
Infant Hearing Tests
The tests are simple and painless. It is very important to know if an infant has any hearing loss, because early detection and treatment can mean the difference between normal and delayed development.
Please visit our "Pediatric Hearing" link to learn more about other tests that are involved with diagnosing an infants hearing loss such as OtoAcoustic Emissions
Early Hearing Detection & Intervention - Pediatric Audiology Links to Services (EHDI-PALS) is a web-based link to information, resources, and services for children with hearing loss.
Idaho Sound Beginnings is a local state run organization (through the Department of Health & Welfare). ISB is responsible for tracking all infants that are referred by the newborn hearing screening program for further evaluation.
Idaho's Infant Toddler Program (ITP) coordinates a system of early intervention services to assist Idaho children birth to three years of age who have a developmental delay or who have conditions (such as prematurity, Down Syndrome, hearing loss) that may result in a developmental delay.
The ITP links children with services that promote their physical, mental and emotional development and supports the needs of their families. These can include therapeutic, educational, and supportive services, such as:
- Family education
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Service coordination
- Family training
- Counseling
- Home visits
- Health services
Children referred to the Infant Toddler Program are assessed to see if they meet program eligibility. If eligible, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is written that outlines services for the child and their family. This plan is reviewed every six months. At three years of age, ITP assists with the child's transition to a developmental preschool program or other community services.
Infant Hearing Test Example