What type of test is Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing used for?

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing is specifically designed to assess the function of the auditory nerve, which is an essential component of the auditory pathway responsible for transmitting sound signals from the cochlea to the brainstem. During an ABR test, electrodes are placed on the scalp to detect electrical activity in the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to auditory stimuli, such as clicks or tones.

This testing is particularly valuable for identifying issues such as auditory nerve damage, brainstem dysfunction, or auditory processing disorders. It can also be utilized in newborn hearing screening protocols to ensure early detection of hearing impairments. Given its focus on the auditory pathway beyond the cochlea, ABR testing does not directly assess the function of the outer ear, evaluate the cochlear response to sound, or measure middle ear pressure. These other functions are typically evaluated through different audiological assessments, such as tympanometry for middle ear pressure or otoacoustic emissions testing for cochlear function. Thus, the core purpose of ABR testing is firmly centered on the assessment of the auditory nerve and the brainstem's auditory pathways.