Auditory Brainstem Response
ABR
Description
"Auditory Brainstem Response" (ABR) test monitors how your auditory nerve and brainstem respond to sound stimuli. During the procedure, small electrodes are placed on your head while you hear clicks or tones through headphones. It’s a non-invasive, painless tool for diagnosing nerve damage, hearing loss in infants, or neurological concerns. This test is especially useful when traditional hearing exams aren’t possible. ABR results guide treatment plans involving therapy, hearing devices, or referrals for neurological evaluation.
Category
Ear Function
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Units
Not Applicable
Procedure Category
Measure
Test Group
Vestibular and Auditory Assessment Group
Test Group Description
Vestibular and Auditory Assessment Group: Tests in this group assess the function of the vestibular system and auditory pathways, aiding in the diagnosis of balance and hearing disorders.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Acoustic Neuroma (Benign tumor affecting the nerve responsible for balance and hearing)
Brain abnormality
Brain damage
Brain tumor
Central pontine myelinolysis (Demyelination of nerve fibers in the brainstem)
Hearing impairment
Multiple sclerosis (Autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system)
Speech impairments
Stroke
Key Reasons For Testing
Hearing Assessment in Infants: Provides objective hearing evaluation for newborns and infants.
Diagnosis of Hearing Loss: Identifies sensorineural or conductive hearing loss across all ages.
Identification of Auditory Neuropathy: Evaluates nerve responses to distinguish between sensory and neural causes of hearing loss.
Objective Hearing Threshold Estimation: Estimates hearing ability in individuals unable to participate in standard tests.
Assessment of Brainstem Integrity: Detects lesions or abnormalities in the auditory brainstem.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Hall JW. New Handbook of Auditory Evoked Responses. Boston, MA: Pearson; 2007.
[2] Hood LJ. Clinical applications of the auditory brainstem response. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 1998;31(6):967-986.
[3] Starr A, Achor J. Auditory brain stem responses in neurological disease. Arch Neurol. 1975;32(12):761-768.
[4] Sohmer H, Feinmesser M. Cochlear action potentials recorded from the external ear in man. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1967;76(2):427-435.
[5] Burkard RF, Don M, Eggermont JJ. Auditory Evoked Potentials: Basic Principles and Clinical Application.Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006.
[6] Musiek FE, Baran JA, Pinheiro ML. Neuroaudiology: case studies. Am J Audiol. 1994;3(3):25-27.
[7] Folsom RC, Weber BA, Thompson G. Auditory brainstem responses in infants with normal peripheral hearing and brainstem dysfunction. Ear Hear. 1983;4(3):140-144.
[8] Picton TW, Hillyard SA, Krausz HI, Galambos R. Human auditory evoked potentials. I. Evaluation of components. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1974;36(2):179-190.
[9] Berlin CI, Hood LJ, Hurley A, Wen H. Contralateral suppression of nonpathological ABR waveforms: evidence of ipsilateral cochlear damage. Ear Hear. 1994;15(3):217-225.
[10] Maurer J, Hoth S, Sommer JU. Auditory brainstem response in the clinical diagnosis of retrocochlear lesions. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 1996;253(1-2):1-6.
[11] Campbell KB, Colrain IM. Event-related potential measures of the inhibition of information processing: II. The sleep onset period. Int J Psychophysiol. 2002;46(3):197-214.
[12] Sohmer H, Freeman S. The use of auditory brainstem responses for clinical diagnosis. Ear Hear. 2001;22(3):249-257.
[13] Stockard JJ, Stockard JE, Westmoreland BF. Brainstem auditory-evoked potentials in neurological disease. Mayo Clin Proc. 1979;54(3):215-231.
[14] Hood LJ, Berlin CI. Effects of stimulus parameters on auditory brainstem response. J Acoust Soc Am.1986;79(2):490-495.