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Objective hearing test for babies (ABR, ASSR)

ABR test · ASSR · newborn hearing test · auditory brainstem response · hearing test during sleep

Sensors are stuck on your baby's head, and quiet sounds are played into the ears. The device records the brain's response and shows how your baby hears.

When a baby did not pass the hearing screening at the maternity hospital, when there is a risk of hearing loss, or when the exact level of hearing needs to be found.

⏱ Duration: usually 30 to 90 minutes; the report is ready right away or the same day

Be sure to tell your doctor

If your baby did not pass the hearing screening after birth
If hearing loss runs in your family
How your pregnancy and birth went
If your baby has an ear infection or a runny nose

How to prepare

Sleep. The test is done while your baby sleeps. Try to keep them awake before the visit so they arrive sleepy.
Feeding. It helps to feed your baby right before the test. After eating, they fall asleep.
Health. If your baby has a runny nose or an ear infection, call. The test may be moved.
Older children. Sometimes the test is done during sleep with light sedation. The doctor will explain how to prepare.

What to bring

A bottle, or be ready to breastfeed
A blanket and a diaper
A small blanket for warmth
Your hospital discharge summary

How it goes

Your baby is fed and put to sleep
The skin on the forehead and behind the ears is wiped
A few small sensors are stuck on
Soft earphones are put in the ears
While your baby sleeps, sounds are played and the response is recorded
The sensors are removed

What you'll feel

It does not hurt your baby
If your baby wakes up, the test is paused

Afterwards

You are usually told the result right away
If hearing is reduced, the doctor will tell you what to do next
The earlier a problem is found, the better treatment works

Common questions

Why does my baby need to sleep?

During sleep there is no movement, so the device records the weak signals more accurately.

If my baby failed the screening at the hospital, does that mean they cannot hear?

Not necessarily. Often it is fluid in the ear after birth. This test will show for sure.