Discover the Magic of the Auditory Brainstem Response Test!
As a parent, ensuring your child's well-being is always a top priority. When it comes to their hearing, the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test is a vital tool in diagnosing potential issues. This test measures how sound travels through the ear and reaches the midbrain, helping us understand your child's 'hearing threshold' for each ear. This threshold is the quietest sound that can elicit a response in the midbrain.
Why the ABR Test is Important
The ABR test is essential because it can detect hearing issues that might not be caught by standard newborn hearing screenings. Even if your child has passed initial hearing tests, the ABR test provides a more comprehensive evaluation of their auditory health.
Preparing for the Test
Preparation is key to ensuring the ABR test goes smoothly. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
- Keep your baby awake until the appointment to ensure they are ready to sleep during the test.
- Avoid feeding your baby for at least two hours before the test. You will be asked to feed them once they are ready for the test, as a full feed usually helps them sleep soundly.
- Avoid bringing siblings to the appointment, as this can make it harder for your baby to fall asleep. If necessary, bring another adult to supervise them outside the test room.
- Be prepared to spend an entire morning or afternoon at the hospital, depending on how quickly your baby falls asleep and stays asleep during the test. Bring extra feeds and a spare nappy.
What to Expect During the Test
Upon arrival, hospital staff will direct you to the waiting area. The audiologist will then bring you to the testing room. Here's what happens next:
- The audiologist will clean your baby's skin on their forehead and behind each ear with cotton wool and mild abrasive gel to ensure good skin contact for the test.
- Three or four sticky electrode pads will be placed on your baby's head, and soft foam earphones will be inserted into each ear to present the sounds.
- In some cases, a headband with a small vibrating box may be used to transmit sounds to the inner ear via vibration.
- Once preparations are complete, you can feed your baby and wait for them to fall asleep naturally.
The test involves presenting specific sounds into each ear and recording the midbrain's response on a computer. The sounds start at a level that can be easily heard and gradually become quieter to determine hearing levels. Additionally, the audiologist will check your baby's middle ear function using a small soft probe.
After the Test
Once the test is complete, the sticky pads will be gently removed, and the gel wiped away. Your baby will likely wake up at this point. The audiologist will provide a brief description of the test findings, but remember that all results need to be peer-reviewed before a definitive diagnosis is given.
After the results have been reviewed, you will receive a letter detailing the findings. This may involve further consultations with Audiovestibular Doctors to discuss treatment and management options if necessary.
For more information, please follow this link.
