Automated system for screening hearing using the auditory brainstem response

Routine screening of hearing using the auditory brainstem response (ABR) in infants, such as neonates in the special care baby unit, requires a system which is quick, user-friendly and gives a simple outcome. A system which consists of a stimulator/amplifier unit for recording the ABR controlled by a standard Master Series BBC Microcomputer is described which fulfils these requirements. The test procedure is highly automated, and a pass or refer decision for the screen on each ear is given by a machine-scoring algorithm which detects the ABR waveform.