Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

An auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a diagnostic test that assesses the function of the hearing pathway from the ear to the brainstem. An auditory stimulus will be presented to the ear and a computer will record responses from the auditory pathway. The ABR is performed both on adults and children, but for different purposes. For adults, the ABR is typically performed to determine if a blockage exists along the hearing pathway. For children, the ABR is used to determine hearing sensitivity when reliable responses cannot be obtained using other test methods. During the test, the patient must lay completely still with his/her eyes closed. Therefore, children of a certain age must be sedated for the test to be completed.

Instruction Forms (PDF downloads)

Adult Auditory Brainstem Response Instructions (PDF)
Sedated ABR Instructions: 6 Months to 3.5 Years Old/Under 40 Pounds (PDF)
UnSedated ABR Instructions: Newborn to 6 Months (PDF)
Sedated Discharge Instructions (PDF)