Sedation Methods in Paediatric Auditory Electrophysiologic Testing: A Narrative Review.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric audiology
• Clinical neurophysiology
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Neonatal hearing screening has improved early detection of hearing loss.
• Objective electrophysiological tests like auditory brainstem response (ABR) and auditory steady-state response (ASSR) are crucial for diagnosing hearing impairments in infants over six months.
• Accurate ABR/ASSR results depend on the child being asleep to minimize motion and muscle artifact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and evaluate sedation strategies for pediatric procedures.
• To focus on the efficacy, safety, and practicality of sedation agents and routes for inducing sleep during ABR/ASSR testing.
• To guide the selection of appropriate sedation for reliable audiological assessments.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on sedation in pediatric audiology.
• Evaluation of different sedation agents and administration routes.
• Analysis of safety profiles, efficacy rates, and practical considerations for sedation in ABR/ASSR testing.

Main Results:

• Sedation is frequently required for reliable ABR/ASSR testing in infants and young children.
• Various sedation agents and routes can be employed, each with specific benefits and risks.
• The choice of sedation must be individualized based on the child's age, health, and procedural requirements.

Conclusions:

• Sedation is a critical component for obtaining accurate electrophysiological hearing assessments in pediatric patients.
• Optimizing sedation strategies enhances patient safety and the reliability of diagnostic results.
• Individualized sedation plans are essential for successful ABR/ASSR testing in children.