Auditory Brainstem Response
An electrophysiological test measuring the electrical activity of the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound stimuli. Editors should note this is the expanded form of the acronym ABR.
Full Definition
The Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is an objective, electrophysiological measure that records waveforms generated by the auditory nerve and lower brainstem structures in response to click or tone-burst stimuli. It is used for newborn hearing screening, threshold estimation in difficult-to-test populations, and differential diagnosis of retrocochlear pathology. The test does not require a behavioural response from the patient, making it valuable in neonatal and paediatric audiology. Editors working on clinical reports should distinguish it from the ASSR (Auditory Steady-State Response) and avoid abbreviating it without first introducing the full form. Wave V latency and amplitude are the primary clinical markers discussed in reports.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out in full on first use before introducing the abbreviation ABR. Do not conflate with ASSR, which uses continuous rather than transient stimuli.
In Context
- "The auditory brainstem response results indicated a significant prolongation of Wave V latency, consistent with retrocochlear involvement." — Diagnostic audiology report
- "ABR testing was selected because the infant could not participate in behavioural audiometry." — Paediatric audiology clinical note