ABR test is used with children or others who can’t complete a regular hearing screening. The ABR is likewise used in case your signs and symptoms is probably because of hearing loss in the mind or in a mind pathway.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the auditory pathway from the inner ear to the brainstem. It is used to diagnose hearing loss, especially in newborns, infants, and children who cannot cooperate with conventional hearing tests. It can also detect problems in the brainstem that affect hearing, such as tumors, strokes, or infections.

The ABR test is performed by placing electrodes on the scalp and earlobes of the person being tested. The electrodes record the brain waves that are generated in response to sounds played through earphones. The sounds are usually clicks or tone bursts of different frequencies and intensities. The test results are shown as a series of peaks and valleys on a graph, called an ABR waveform. Each peak represents the activity of a different part of the auditory pathway. The latency, amplitude, and shape of the peaks can provide information about the function and integrity of the auditory system.