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Clinicians' Guide to Obtaining a Valid Auditory Brainstem Response to Determine Hearing Status: Signal, Noise, and
Linda W Norrix1, David Velenovsky1
1Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson.
American Journal of Audiology
|February 3, 2018
Summary
Accurate interpretation of auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests, using evidence-based criteria and cross-checks, improves hearing loss detection. This ensures appropriate intervention for infants and children with hearing impairments.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is crucial for assessing hearing loss when behavioral methods fail.
- Interpreting ABR results can be subjective, necessitating standardized approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence-based criteria for valid ABR interpretation.
- To emphasize the importance of cross-check methods in ABR analysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of 2013 Newborn Hearing Screening Program guidelines.
- Discussion of cross-check strategies, including immittance measures and otoacoustic emissions.
- Emphasis on objective criteria for signal quality assessment (noise, SNR).
Main Results:
- Objective criteria (display scale, templates, SNR estimation) enhance ABR data quality.
- Cross-checks like immittance and otoacoustic emissions are vital for accurate ABR interpretation.
- Standardized methods improve the reliability of determining hearing thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based ABR criteria and cross-validation enhance diagnostic accuracy for hearing loss.
- Accurate diagnosis ensures timely and appropriate remediation for affected infants and children.
- Improved accuracy prevents unnecessary interventions for children with normal hearing.