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When a hearing test for the inner ear is needed, one of the most common types of testing done is auditory brainstem response testing (ABR). ABR testing is a way to check the function of the auditory nerve, which is the nerve that helps you hear. ABR is noninvasive and painless and typically takes approximately an hour to complete. It's also sometimes used in patients who have trouble with more conventional testing methods. Patients with signs of hearing loss from the brain or brain pathway are also frequently given an ABR test. The process of testing is quite simple. The medical staff scrubs the patient's forehead, part of their scalp, and inside each ear canal to remove oils, dirt, and dead skin. Electrodes are pasted on the patient's head. Those electrodes will record brain wave activity and in doing so will track any responses to sounds made during the test. This works in much the same way as the leads placed on a cardiac patient's chest near the heart during an electrocardiogram. Earphones may also be placed in the patient's ears. During an ABR, the patient simply rests quietly, and some even fall asleep. No response is required from the patient because hearing responses are recorded entirely through the electrodes. Due to its simplicity and lack of needing any patient response, ABR is frequently used for newborn hearing screening. The signals picked up by the electrodes are recorded by a special computer. The computer records the brain's response to every noise and even gradually lessens background noises as the test proceeds. The test actually consists of a series of clicks and tones. The patient's brainwaves react to the sounds, giving the audiologist an idea of whether or not there are brain-related disruptions in hearing. There are a few different things looked for on the readout from an ABR. Including amplitude, latency, interpeak latency, and interaural latency. ABR results can be used for the hearing aid fittings as well. The settings of the aid can be based on the ABR brainwaves as well. It is very important for the patient to remain very still and silent during the hearing test, because any disturbances will affect the readout. If there are issues with the patient remaining still, the doctor might give them a mild sedative to help them stay still. When the ABR hearing test is through, the audiologist should have the readouts needed to evaluate the brain's part in processing sounds. Have a Santa Barbara, CA, hearing test done can help you learn if you have any trouble with your ears. Go to Miracle-Ear to speak with a professional about having your ears checked. For more information, visit: http://www.miracle-ear-santabarbara.com.
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