Capitol Ear, Nose and Throat P.A.

AUDITORY BRAINSTEM RESPONSE TESTING
Intensity Series for Children Sleep Deprivation

Your child is scheduled for an ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) test at Capitol Ear Nose & Throat. The most accurate results will be obtained if your child is resting peacefully during the test. It is important that you deprive your child of sleep for about four hours before the test and to try not feeding them. Once you arrive, you can feed your child, which facilitates their falling asleep.

Prior to beginning the test, the audiologist will place electrodes on your child's head. Your child will feel nothing from these electrodes. Once your child is asleep, the test is ready to begin. Insert foam earphones will be placed in each ear and your child will hear a series of rapid clicks. The clicks will initiate nerve impulses in your child's brain. The electrodes will pick up these impulses and the audiologist will estimate your child's hearing ability from the obtained response.

If your child has a history of middle ear infections and/or fluid, the fluid must be clear before an accurate test can be obtained. Please contact your child's physician regarding the status of the middle ears.

To help ensure that your child will rest comfortably, please follow these guidelines:

  1. Bring along some of your child's favorite "nap time" toys (blanket, books, or stuffed animals).
  2. Waken your child earlier than his or her usual wake up time.
  3. Do not let your child sleep in the car on the way to the appointment. The testing cannot be performed if the child is awake.
  4. If you have other children who will need supervision during the test, please bring along another adult to supervise them.
  5. Once your child has been given the medication, try to comfort them and help them relax. The faster your child falls asleep, the quicker the test can be completed.

Please do not hesitate to call our office 919.787.1374 and speak with one of the Audiologists if you have any questions. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call the office to reschedule. Failure to not notify the clinic prior to your appointment time will result in a $200.00 charge.