If your baby needs an auditory brainstem response hearing evaluation after a newborn screening or because of hearing concerns, get clear, parent-friendly guidance on what it is, what results may mean, and what next steps may help.
Answer a few questions about your child’s situation to get personalized guidance on ABR hearing screening, timing, results, and common follow-up steps.
An auditory brainstem response, or ABR, is a hearing evaluation that measures how the hearing nerve and brainstem respond to sound. It is commonly used for newborns, infants, and young children who are too young for standard hearing checks or who need more detailed follow-up after a failed newborn hearing screening. Small sensors are placed on the head, sounds are played through earphones, and the responses are recorded while the baby is asleep or very still.
A newborn ABR hearing screening or diagnostic ABR may be recommended when the first hospital screening was not passed or results were unclear.
If a baby does not startle to sound, seems inconsistent in responding to voices, or has delayed speech and language development, ABR testing can help clarify hearing status.
Infants with NICU stays, certain infections, genetic risk factors, or other medical concerns may need auditory brainstem response testing even if no obvious symptoms are present.
Timing varies by age and reason for the visit, but many appointments last about 1 to 3 hours, including setup and time for your child to stay asleep or calm.
Some babies can complete ABR testing while naturally asleep. Older infants or children may sometimes need a sedated ABR hearing evaluation if staying still is difficult. Your care team will explain whether that applies.
In many cases, the audiologist can discuss preliminary auditory brainstem response test results the same day and explain whether more follow-up is needed.
If your child is having an ABR hearing test after failed newborn screening, prompt follow-up can help identify hearing loss early and support communication development. Early answers do not always mean a serious problem, but they can help families and providers make informed decisions about monitoring, treatment, and support.
Understand whether the ABR is being used as a screening step, a diagnostic hearing evaluation, or part of follow-up for a specific concern.
Get practical guidance on sleep scheduling, feeding, sedation questions, and what to bring so the appointment goes as smoothly as possible.
Learn what may happen after auditory brainstem response test results, including repeat hearing checks, referral to pediatric audiology, or ongoing monitoring.
ABR hearing testing is used to check how sound travels from the ear through the hearing nerve to the brainstem. It is often used for newborns and infants after a failed hearing screening, when hearing loss is suspected, or when a child is too young for other types of hearing evaluation.
Many ABR appointments take about 1 to 3 hours. The exact length depends on your child’s age, whether the baby is sleeping naturally, and whether the audiologist needs a full diagnostic evaluation.
Not always. Babies may not pass a newborn hearing screening for several reasons, including fluid in the ear, movement, noise, or temporary factors. An ABR hearing test after failed newborn screening helps determine whether hearing loss is actually present.
Some newborns and young infants can complete ABR testing while asleep naturally. Older babies and children may sometimes need sedation if they cannot stay still long enough for accurate results. The decision depends on age, development, and the type of evaluation needed.
ABR results help show whether sound is being detected at different levels and whether the hearing pathway is responding as expected. The audiologist may explain whether results suggest typical hearing, possible hearing loss, or the need for repeat evaluation or additional follow-up.
Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance on why ABR may be recommended, what to expect at the appointment, and what follow-up steps may make sense for your family.
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