Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP), also known as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), is a highly accurate diagnostic method based on recording the electrical activity of the brain in response to sound stimuli. This test allows assessment of the auditory pathway, including the inner ear, auditory nerve, and brainstem structures.
Indications for BAEP (ABR) testing
- Suspected sensorineural hearing loss.
- Assessment of hearing function in newborns and young children who cannot undergo conventional audiometry.
- Diagnosis of tumors of the auditory nerve or brainstem (e.g., acoustic neuroma / vestibular schwannoma).
- Evaluation of the auditory pathway in patients with tinnitus or dizziness.
- Monitoring treatment effectiveness in disorders of the auditory nerve.
- Intraoperative monitoring of brain function during complex neurosurgical procedures.
Advantages of BAEP (ABR) testing
- Painless: the procedure causes no discomfort.
- High diagnostic accuracy: enables detection of pathology at early stages.
- Non-invasive: no surgical intervention is required.
- Universal applicability: suitable for patients of all ages, including newborns.
- Objective assessment: results do not depend on patient cooperation or subjective responses.
How the procedure is performed
Patient preparation
- The patient should remain calm and relaxed. In infants and young children, the test is often performed during natural sleep or under light sedation.
- Surface electrodes are placed on the scalp and behind the ears to record electrical signals.
Testing process
- Sound stimuli (clicks or tone bursts) are delivered through headphones or ear inserts.
- The electrodes record neural activity of the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound.
Duration: the examination typically lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on patient condition.
Results: the physician analyzes the latency and amplitude of the evoked potentials and compares them with established normative values.
BAEP (ABR) testing is an objective and reliable diagnostic tool that allows precise evaluation of auditory pathway disorders and supports accurate treatment planning. The procedure is available in leading clinics in Belarus, where modern equipment and an individualized approach are used.
