2019 JCIH Guidelines – Auditory Brainstem Response Evoked Potentials Using Click and Frequency-Specific Stimuli
Auditory brainstem response for estimation of hearing thresholds is the gold-standard for determination of hearing thresholds under 6 months of age. Because ABR is not a test of hearing but rather a measure of an electrophysiologic response to auditory stimulation, confirmation of hearing (perception) requires behavioral evaluation as soon as the child is developmentally capable of providing reliable and valid behavioral responses to sound.
Frequency-specific (toneburst) stimuli are used to elicit neural responses that enable determination of thresholds, and form the foundation for determining hearing aid amplification characteristics.
When the ABR shows no response, a specialized protocol (high-intensity click stimulus at positive and negative polarities) should be completed to assess possible auditory neuropathy.
Emerging data suggest that new approaches to ABR recording, such as using specialized filtering, advanced signal processing techniques, and placing the pre-amplifier at the position of the electrode, may improve the signal-to-noise ratio in children who are not soundly sleeping.
2019 JCIH Guidelines – Read full article: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/jehdi/vol4/iss2/1/
