Union Audiology Centre

Automated Auditory Brainstem Response Screening (AABR Screening)

To test the integrity of audiology pathway up to brainstem.

Age:

Newborns and neonates

Procedure:

	Test will be performed when the baby is asleep.
	3 adhesive electrodes will be placed on different areas on the baby forehead, back shoulder and the nape of neck.
	Earphones are placed over the ears, click sounds will be presented into the ear and the device records the brainstem responses.

Results:

Results show the responses of the auditory brainstem, confirming oto-neurological integrity.

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)

To assess auditory functionality from cochlea up to the brainstem level.

Age:

All ages, including infants

Procedure:

	The auditory system is stimulated by a brief acoustic signal via air or bone conduction. The resulting oto-neurological activity is recorded by surface electrodes placed on the head and behind the ears.
	The response is assessed based on the identification of component waves, their shape and response time compared to normative data.
	The measurement process will not incur any pain or discomfort.

Duration:

Around one hour

Results:

	Provides ear-specific information and some frequency-specific information about hearing acuity within 5-10 dB of behavioral thresholds.
	Can also detect oto-neurological lesions, such as acoustic neuroma.

*Remark: Due to the subtle responses, excessive noise may interfere the measurement process. Individuals are required to be in relax or sleep state. Some infants and unable-to-cooperate individuals may be required to take sedation in form of chloral hydrate prescribed by doctor prior to the testing.

Immittance Audiometry (TYMP/AR)

To assess the status of the middle ear system.

Age:

All ages, including infants

Procedure:

	A probe is placed in the ear canal for measurement.
	Probe bones and varying pressure are being introduced into the ear.

Results:

To provide information about the status of the tympanic membrane and middle ear system (i.e., middle ear pathology/effusion. Negative pressure possibly indicating Eustachian tube dysfunction).

B) SUBJECTIVE MEASURES

Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)

To access hearing sensitivity using conditioned responses to sound, i.e., head turning.

Age:

Child from 9 months to 2.5 years old

Procedure:

	The child is conditioned to provide a specific response to an acoustic stimulus.
	Once the child is conditioned to respond to the sound, the intensity of the signal will be gradually reduced to determine threshold of hearing.

Results:

This procedure can be used to determine threshold of hearing.

*Remark: Because signals are typically presented through a loudspeaker, thresholds obtained indicate hearing level of the ‘better hearing ear’ only.

Conditioned Play Audiometry (Play Audiometry)

To access hearing level by demonstrating a specific response to an acoustic stimulus.

Age:

Child from 2.5 to 6 years old.

Procedure:

	A modified test in form of games to assess the hearing status.
	The child is required to wear headphones and to make certain specified actions, such as placing a toy into a plastic bucket or building blocks puzzle.

Results:

	To determine the minimal hearing level in each ear.
	To define the nature and degree of hearing impairment.

Paediatric Assessments
嬰幼兒聽力測驗

A) OBJECTIVE MEASURES

Otoacoustic Emissions Screening (OAE Screening)

Automated Auditory Brainstem Response Screening (AABR Screening)