Which newborn screening test assesses the auditory brainstem response?

Which newborn screening test assesses the auditory brainstem response?

• A. Otoacoustic emissions
• B. Auditory brainstem response
• C. Tympanometry
• D. Pure-tone audiometry

Answer: (B)

Auditory brainstem response testing measures the brainstem’s electrical activity in response to sound, using scalp electrodes. This objective test works whether the newborn is sleeping or quiet and does not require any behavioral response, making it ideal for screening infants. It specifically evaluates the integrity of the auditory pathway up to the brainstem, detecting issues that affect neural transmission. Otoacoustic emissions assess outer hair cell function in the cochlea, indicating cochlear status but not brainstem conduction. Tympanometry examines middle ear mechanics, not neural pathways. Pure-tone audiometry requires the patient to respond behaviorally, which isn’t feasible for newborns.

Auditory brainstem response testing measures the brainstem’s electrical activity in response to sound, using scalp electrodes. This objective test works whether the newborn is sleeping or quiet and does not require any behavioral response, making it ideal for screening infants. It specifically evaluates the integrity of the auditory pathway up to the brainstem, detecting issues that affect neural transmission.

Otoacoustic emissions assess outer hair cell function in the cochlea, indicating cochlear status but not brainstem conduction. Tympanometry examines middle ear mechanics, not neural pathways. Pure-tone audiometry requires the patient to respond behaviorally, which isn’t feasible for newborns.