Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
The ABR is a measure of the brainstem’s response to sounds (usually clicks). It’s generated
from different regions from the ear, along the pathway of hearing to the brain.
Who is referred for ABR?
The Consultant may refer people for an ABR if more information is needed about the level and
type of hearing loss. At other times, when a regular hearing assessment can’t be performed, the ABR can give
us useful information about the person’s hearing levels.
What happens during the ABR?
Small discs are attached to the person’s head with some sticky paste and tape. Nothing is felt
through the discs. The person then be asked to lie in a relaxed state on the couch and some headphones are
placed over your ears. Clicks and/or sounds may then be heard through the headphones. The discs measure how
strong the responses are to the different clicks and the audiologist then analyses these responses. The
results give information on how the auditory system is working and can take up to one hour to complete. The
report of the results is forwarded on to the referring consultant. |
