Auditory Brainstem Evoked Response (ABR), also known as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) or Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER), refers to an electrophysiological test used to assess the electrical activity in the auditory pathway from the cochlea to the brainstem. It is a diagnostic tool commonly employed in audiology and neurology to evaluate hearing abilities and detect auditory pathway disorders.
During an ABR test, small electrodes are placed on the individual's scalp to detect the electrical responses generated in the brainstem following presentation of a sound stimulus, usually clicks or tone bursts. The test measures the brain's response to these sounds and provides information regarding how the auditory system is functioning.
The electrical responses recorded during the ABR test are processed and analyzed to determine waveforms, which indicate the various neural responses along the auditory pathway. These waveforms are labeled as I, II, III, IV, and V, with each representing a specific stage in the auditory pathway, from the cochlea to the brainstem. The presence, latency, and morphology of these waves are assessed to help diagnose hearing impairments and evaluate neurological abnormalities that may affect the auditory pathway.
The ABR test is particularly useful in assessing hearing sensitivity in newborns and infants who are unable to provide behavioral responses required for conventional hearing tests. It is also beneficial in identifying neural hearing loss and monitoring auditory pathway function in individuals with suspected hearing disorders or certain medical conditions.
In summary, Auditory Brainstem Evoked Response is an electrophysiological test that measures and evaluates the electrical activity in the auditory pathway from the cochlea to the brainstem, helping diagnose hearing impairments and assess auditory pathway function.
