Which of the following testing methods assesses the function of the auditory pathway through brain responses?

The method that assesses the function of the auditory pathway through brain responses is the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR). This test evaluates the neural pathways from the auditory nerve to the brainstem. It involves placing electrodes on the scalp and measuring the electrical activity that occurs in response to auditory stimuli, which reflects the functioning of the auditory system, specifically at the level of the brainstem.

ABR is particularly useful for diagnosing hearing loss, especially in newborns and other populations who may not be able to participate in traditional hearing tests. It can help identify auditory neuropathy or retrocochlear pathology and is a critical tool for assessing how sound information is processed in the early stages of the central auditory nervous system.

In contrast, other testing methods serve different purposes: Pure Tone Audiometry evaluates hearing sensitivity but does not assess brain responses. Otoacoustic Emissions test the function of the outer hair cells in the cochlea, reflecting cochlear function, not the auditory pathway to the brain. Immittance Audiometry assesses middle ear function and does not involve brain responses. Thus, ABR is distinct in its capability to provide insights into auditory pathway function through brain activity.