The document sets out to provide guidelines for testing babies in the first few months of life by ABR using click stimuli for the purposes of assessing hearing sensitivity. Other electro-physiological techniques, including tone pip and bone conduction ABR, are outside the scope of this document. Clicks are currently employed for neonatal screening and most diagnostic assessment in the UK. However it should be noted that this may change as other electrophysiological methods such as tone pip ABR become more widely used.
The document covers the technical procedure of carrying out an ABR test and the reporting of the results. It does not cover practical aspects such as handling of the baby or criteria to be used to decide whether a baby has passed or failed an ABR screen.
Equipment that carries out 'automatic' ABR is available and may be useful in some screening situations. The test protocol in this type of equipment is usually fixed. Any changes in protocol that are still possible (such as a change in electrode position) should not be implemented without careful consideration of its effect on the test outcome.
Stevens J, Elliott C, Lightfoot G, Mason S, Parker D, Stapells D, et al. Click auditory brainstem response testing in babies. A recommended test protocol'. Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening. [UNHS Web Site]
Clive Elliott, Freeman Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne. Tel: +44 (0)191-223-1370.
Regional Medical Physics Department, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6BE, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)191-233-6161 Fax: +44 (0)191-226-0970 E-mail: webmaster@rmpd.org.uk Web: http://www.rmpd.org.uk
By using this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions of Use. Please read our legal page.
Regional Medical Physics Department, a Clinical Directorate of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Copyright ©1999-2008 All Rights Reserved. Revised 28 April, 2008.
