ABR - Method of measuring the hearing of children
Hearing loss in children
Different types of hearing screening tests are used to screen hearing in babies. These tests are safe and comfortable.
OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions)
A cochlea that is functioning normally not only receives sound, it also produces low-intensity, measurable sounds called OAEs. OAEs are absent when an infant/child has a sensorineural hearing loss of 40dBHL or greater. The condition known as “auditory neuropathy/dys-synchrony” is diagnosed by comparing OAE results (typically normal) with ABR results (typically abnormal).
ABR
(Auditory Brainstem Response)
The second test is called the auditory brainstem response or ABR. ABR testing is an electrophysiological measurement that allows the audiologist to obtain information about the condition of the inner ear and/or auditory nerve.
ASSR (Auditory Steady State Response)
ASSR testing is another electrophysiologic measurement of a baby’s hearing. The benefit of the ASSR is that the results may provide more frequency-specific threshold information for infants who have severe to profound hearing losses. This enables the audiologist to have more precise data to proceed with hearing aid fittings or determining cochlear implant candidacy.
Warning signs of Children's Hearing Loss
Approximately six out of every 1000 children are born each year with a permanent hearing loss in both ears. If not identified early, a hearing loss can seriously hinder language acquisition and communication development and have a long term impact on educational achievement, confidence and social skills.
Research shows that with early identification of a hearing problem and appropriate support, a child can develop such skills to their optimal potential. The vast majority of these children will lead full, rewarding lives with the use of hearing aids. If your child does not appear to have reached one or more of these developmental milestones at the age indicated, talk to audiologist about having his/her hearing tested.