ABR Test
What is an ABR test?
Your child has been scheduled for an auditory brain stem response (ABR) test. This is a way to measure how well each ear can pick up sounds and how well the hearing nerve sends the information to the brain. The test does not require that children tell or show that sounds are heard. It is commonly done on infants and small children, or anyone who cannot or will not cooperate with routine testing.
Before the Test
Your child will need to be asleep for the test. So that he/she may fall asleep easier, please remember the following:
- Your child may eat or drink before the test. However, he/she should not have any caffeine -- including chocolate and cola drinks -- for at least 12 hours before the test.
- It is strongly advised that your child avoid taking a nap before arriving for the test.
During the Test
If your child is 6 months of age or older, he/she will be weighed and may be given a mild medicine by mouth to make him/her sleepy. The skin on the forehead and behind each ear will be cleaned off and small surface electrodes (disks) will be taped on those areas. The wires from the discs are then attached to a special computer.
Once the child is asleep, small earphones will be placed in the ears. Sounds will be presented through the earphones. Brainwave activity will be obtained using the computer. These waveforms are then analyzed to determine whether or not the ears are detecting the sounds.
After the Test
When the test is finished, your child will be awakened. The audiologist (a specialist in hearing healthcare) will discuss the test results and any necessary recommendations. A written report will be sent to your child's doctor who will also discuss the results with you.
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Patient Education Program III 3012
Revised 12/05
