Information on ABEP Test For Hearing and Electrode Configuration

Submitted on March 27, 2012

The ability to hear is one sense that is extremely important for human beings. Hearing is the basis of an individual’s ability to communicate. The ability of an individual to hear sounds is governed by the functioning of many different parts of the head. The outer cartilage of the ear deflects sounds to the ear canal. These sounds make the tympanum vibrate. This vibration, in turn, affects the bones of the ear. The movement of these bones is picked up and sent to the brain through the nervous system. A failure in any of these parts of the system will result in the individual being unable to hear. Hearing loss associated with degeneration of ear parts may be partial. Hearing loss associated with nerve conduction, brain issues and membrane issues is usually complete and often permanent.

ABEP Test For Hearing

The auditory brainstem response audiometry test is a test used to determine the passage of signals that are received by the ears.

The auditory brainstem response audiometry test is also called the ABEP test for hearing. The test is conducted by placing electrodes on the head and the back of the head. These electrodes are designed to pick up nerve impulses as they pass through the brain. This shows whether the signals are passing to the brain or not.

ABEP Medical Test

The auditory brainstem response audiometry test is particularly useful for infants or, in rare cases, if the patient does not cooperate with other types of testing where the response of the patient is needed. The ABEP medical test is even applicable to those who may have learning difficulties and other mental disabilities.

Electrode Configuration For Auditory Brainstem Response Audiometry

During the test, the doctor or technician will arrange the electrode configuration for auditory brainstem response audiometry such that the entire nerve and the brainstem can be tested to see where there is any impediment. In many cases, the signals may be generated in the ear but may not be reaching the brain. For the auditory brainstem response audiometry test, the stimulus used is usually a clicking sound that is played to each ear. This sound is distinctive and should produce a distinctive reading if it is being processed by the ear and the brain.

The auditory brainstem response audiometry test is therefore an advanced hearing that is used to check for hearing loss in an individual who is unable to respond properly to the tester. The auditory brainstem response audiometry test is also used to check if the problem is related to the ear or to the nervous system.

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