Preparing your baby for an auditory brainstem response (ABR) hearing test

Your baby will have a hearing test called ABR or Auditory Brainstem Response Audiometry. It’s a computerised hearing test. We’ll put some sticky pads on your baby’s head, and the computer will record their response to sounds. The test takes about two hours, and your baby needs to be asleep throughout the test.

We know it’s hard to keep your baby awake for a specific appointment, but the testing is not possible unless they’re asleep. It is helpful if your baby is tired and ready for a feed when they arrive for the appointment to give them the best chance of falling asleep. That way, the audiologist can get accurate results.

Why does my child need an auditory brainstem response (ABR) hearing test?

Most often, we do ABR assessments on infants referred from newborn hearing screening who are too young to do other types of hearing tests.

However, we sometimes do ABR tests on other children.

Your child may have been referred for an ABR assessment if:

• they are too young to do a behavioural hearing test
• they may have a medical or developmental problem that makes routine hearing assessment difficult
• a doctor or audiologist may need additional diagnostic information.

What to expect

To help us get the best test results, follow these steps:

1. Keep your baby awake before the test. Try waking them up earlier than usual.
2. Don’t feed your baby until you arrive. It helps babies to settle down to sleep if they have a feed once in the test room.
3. Avoid letting your baby sleep on the way to the hospital. Bring someone to keep them awake in the car.
4. Clean your baby’s forehead and behind their ears with a damp cloth. Do not use baby oil or moisturiser on their face or head before the appointment.
5. Bring enough milk and nappies for a 2-3 hour appointment. Also, bring things that help your baby fall asleep, like a familiar blanket or baby carrier.
6. If possible, don’t bring younger siblings or bring another adult who can watch the other children while you are with your baby in the appointment. We need a quiet environment for the test.

Developed by the Audiology department, Queensland Children's Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.

Resource ID: FS043. Reviewed: March 2024.

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.