A Parent’s Guide to Auditory Brainstem (ABR) Testing

A Parent’s Guide to Auditory Brainstem (ABR) Testing

This document can be provided in different languages and formats. For more information, please contact:

Audiology

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Worcestershire Royal Hospital

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

WR5 1DD

Tel: 01905 760171

If you do not speak English as a first language and require an interpreter please contact the Clinic so that one can be arranged for you. Please note that relatives are not able to act as an interpreter.

Your baby has been referred to us for further investigation of their hearing.

We want you to know that the test procedure is completely safe and painless. This leaflet explains what the test involves.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing

The Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) tests how well your baby’s ears receive sounds and how the sensory nerves carry the information to the brain. The tests are carried out by playing sounds through different types of headphones and recording their natural responses to these sounds.

The response is recorded from 4 sticky discs which are placed on the head before the test begins. The discs may be kept in place by using a small amount of tape, which is removed after the test. Sounds are then played into the ear through headphones or a small plastic tip.

A special-purpose computer is used to record your baby’s natural responses from these discs. Usually the recording procedure takes somewhere between one and two hours. At the end of testing we will discuss the outcome of the test with you.

Important information

Hearing tests on young babies are best carried out while they are asleep, or at least very quiet and settled, so it might be helpful to arrive a little early and give a feed shortly before the test. Please be aware that if your baby is not settled it may take longer, therefore please bring extra feeds and nappy changes as we cannot provide these.

Occasionally we are unable to complete all the required testing in the same session, so we may need to arrange a further appointment for your baby to complete the testing.

If you are unable to attend the appointment, please notify the ABR clinic as soon as possible. We will offer an alternative date and use the appointment for another patient.

There is an animated video about your visit available on the gov.uk website. Please scan the QR code below for further information about the assessment.

Alternatively please contact the clinic:

Telephone: 01905 760178

Text users: 07786 334306 (text only)

Email: [email protected]

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience

We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback

Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:

Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]

Opening times:

The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

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