|
|
|
AUDITORY BRAINSTEM RESPONSE
|
|
ABR testing is a measurement of the response to sounds
from the brainstem. This response measures degree of hearing as well as neurologic
function. Small electrodes are placed behind the ears and on top of the head.
There is no discomfort at all, in fact, the patient will sleep through the testing.
Earplugs are placed in the ears and sounds are presented. The electrodes pick
up the response from the brainstem and send it to a computer screen. A normal
brain response consists of characteristic brainwaves, and the decibel level where
these waves are able to be measured represents the hearing threshold. Sedation is
sometimes required for children who cannot sleep for the several hours it takes
to do the testing |
|
|