ADULT ABR INSTRUCTIONS

Your physician has referred you for an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test because you are presenting with any of the following symptoms in one or both ears: difficulty hearing conversational speech, hearing noises in your ears, experiencing a sensation of fullness, or having balance problems. The audiologist has already completed a variety of tests to assess your hearing and results suggest further assessment is warranted. The ABR test measures synchrony of the auditory neural pathways.

How is the test done?
Sensors called electrodes are placed on the scalp or forehead and on or behind your ears. A series of sounds/clicks are presented to the ears through insert earphones. The electrodes pick up electrical energy produced by the auditory nerve and brain in response to the sound being introduced. A computer averages the signal and produces a waveform that shows the brain's response. There is no discomfort. The patient relaxes in a reclined chair and many patients drift off into natural sleep. The test takes about one hour to complete.

What information does the ABR provide?
The ABR can be used to identify the presence or absence of hearing loss and a possible cause. In addition, careful analysis of the ABR wave patterns can help identify the presence of certain medical conditions that affect hearing, such as tumors or growths along the auditory pathway or demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Is the ABR reliable?
Yes, however, you should realize no single test is every 100% accurate, and this if true for ABR as well. All available patient information and test results contribute to an accurate evaluation and subsequent treatment plans.

Should you have any questions regarding your test procedure, please contact our office at (919) 787-1374 and ask to speak with one of the audiologists. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call the office to reschedule.

Failure to notify the office before your appointment time will result in a $200.00 charge.