ABR Full Form
What is the full form of ABR?
ABR is the abbreviation used for Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test, which is a useful way for determining an infant or child's ability to hear. The test requires a special computer system to record the way the hearing nerve of a child responds to different sounds. It is also known as Brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA).
The ABR is an exogenous response because it fully depends upon external factors' response. Deafness and hearing loss in newborns could be due to genetic problems, birth defects, or infections during pregnancy. In some cases, the babies immediately show symptoms of hearing loss, such as not reacting to sounds or failing the preliminary hearing screenings. Newborns that fail to pass the screening for hearing could have acute or chronic loss of hearing. These babies are required to have an advanced follow-up procedure within two weeks.
Advantages Of ABR:
Non-invasive: ABR testing is a non-invasive procedure that does not require any type of medication or injection.
Quick and easy: The test takes only a few minutes to complete and is relatively easy to perform.
Safe: The test is safe and does not cause any harm or discomfort to the patient.
Accurate: ABR provides a highly accurate measurement of hearing function and can detect even mild hearing losses.
Useful for infants and young children: ABR is particularly useful for evaluating hearing in infants and young children who are not able to participate in behavioural hearing tests.
Disadvantages Of ABR:
Limited information: ABR only provides information about the function of the inner ear and the auditory nerve. It does not provide information about the function of other parts of the auditory system, such as the middle ear or the brain.
Requirement for specialised equipment: ABR testing requires specialised equipment and trained personnel to perform, which can limit its availability in some areas.
It may not be as accurate in certain populations: ABR may not be as accurate in patients with certain medical conditions, such as those with a history of brainstem injury or disorders.
Requires complete cooperation from the patient: The patient must remain still and quiet during the test, which can be challenging for some individuals, particularly young children or those with cognitive or behavioural disorders.
How ABR Test Is Done?
During the test, small electrodes (sensors that measure brain activity) are placed on the forehead and earlobes or mastoid bone of the child, and earphones are put over his or her ears. The test is normally done when the child is sleeping.
An electrode gel is used for the head and ears, so that good contact is established between the electrodes and the skin.
Once the child is asleep, sounds are played using earphones placed over the ears. The responses of the child's brain to these sounds are recorded through the electrodes and stored on the computer for analysis.