Auditory Brainstem Response testing

Preparation instructions for your baby’s upcoming appointment

Your baby has been referred for a hearing test, called an ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response). The test uses electrodes (sticky tabs) placed on your baby’s head to record tiny responses from your baby’s hearing nerves. This testing requires your baby to be asleep. Testing cannot be completed on an awake baby.

The appointment will take approximately 2 to 3 hours.

It is important that your baby arrives at the appointment tired and hungry, ready for a feed and sleep. We do not want your baby arriving at the appointment already asleep, as this will reduce the amount of time the audiologist may have to get results on the day.

To assist us in getting your baby ready for testing, please:

• Keep your baby awake for the 2 to 3 hours leading up to the appointment.
• Do not let your baby fall asleep on the way to the appointment. Even a short nap may mean that your baby will not sleep for the ABR appointment. Bringing another adult with you to keep the baby awake during the trip can be very helpful.
• Delay your baby’s feed until you arrive for the appointment. Time is allocated during the appointment for you to feed your baby and for your baby to fall asleep.
• Avoid using moisturisers or oils on your baby’s skin on the day of the appointment, to make sure that the electrodes will stick on your baby’s skin properly for testing.

Tired babies with nice full tummies are very likely to fall asleep for testing to start.

It is essential that you do not bring other children to the appointment, as it is a very long appointment and the test needs to be performed in quiet conditions. Child minding facilities are not available, so it is best to plan for your other children to be left with a suitable carer.