ABR hearing tests for newborns

Soft earphones deliver sounds, and sensors placed on the baby's head record responses from the auditory nerve and brainstem. The test does not hurt, although keeping the baby settled and still is necessary for a usable recording.

ABR may be used as a newborn screening method or as a more detailed diagnostic assessment after a baby does not pass an initial screen. Not passing a screen does not by itself confirm hearing loss; fluid, debris, background noise, or movement can interfere.

A diagnostic result helps estimate hearing sensitivity in each ear and shows whether sound signals are travelling as expected. The audiologist considers ABR alongside examination findings and, when appropriate, tests of middle-ear or inner-ear function.

The service may ask you to keep your baby awake before arrival and feed them once the sensors are attached, encouraging natural sleep. Follow the appointment instructions rather than changing feeding or sleep on your own.

Bring feeding supplies, nappies, and a blanket. Tell the team if your baby was born early, has been unwell, takes medicines, or has had ear problems. If sedation is proposed, request specific fasting and aftercare instructions.

Attend the recommended follow-up promptly if your baby does not pass screening or if the recording is incomplete. Early clarification helps the care team plan communication support and further assessment when needed.

Seek urgent care if your baby is difficult to wake, has trouble breathing, turns blue or unusually pale, feeds poorly with marked sleepiness, or develops a fever according to the urgent-care advice given for young infants. These signs require medical assessment rather than waiting for an audiology visit.

Clarify whether the appointment is screening or diagnostic, whether both ears will be tested, and how to prepare the baby's sleep and feeds. Ask what the result shows for each ear, whether another type of hearing test is planned, and who will coordinate follow-up.