An auditory brainstem response (ABR) test is a hearing test that measures the brain’s response to sound, particularly useful for infants and individuals who cannot complete standard hearing tests. It assesses the auditory nerve and brain pathways by recording electrical activity in the brainstem in response to auditory stimuli. The test involves placing electrodes on the head, using headphones to deliver sounds, and analyzing the brain’s electrical responses.

An ABR test is a type of evoked potential test that measures the brain’s response to sound. It assesses the integrity of the hearing pathway from the ear to the brainstem. The test can be used for infants, young children, and adults who cannot perform traditional hearing tests. For infants and young children, the test is typically performed while they are asleep. Older children and adults must remain still and quiet during the test. The ABR test can help determine the type and degree of hearing loss, including whether it is in the inner ear (cochlea) or along the auditory nerve pathways.