When Is an ABR Test Necessary?
For newborn hearing screening, an ABR test is usually performed as a follow-up test of an OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) test. While an OAE test can only confirm hearing function up to the cochlea, the ABR is a more advanced hearing test to evaluate the processing of an acoustic stimulus by the auditory brainstem. ABR tests can be performed with persons of all ages but are very often used in newborn hearing screening, as they do not require an active response from the patient and can objectively locate postcochlear lesions affecting the hearing.
To find out why we care so much about Newborn Hearing Screening, watch our video:
Video
or visit our dedicated website:
NHS Website