How to perform ABR in young children

The diagnosis of hearing loss, especially in the context of newborn hearing screening, is mostly based on auditory brainstem response (ABR). According to the official CCAM nomenclature, ABR consists of recording early auditory evoked potentials to detect thresholds, study conduction times and measure amplitudes (corresponding to codes CDQP006 when performed without general anesthesia, and CDQP014 when performed with general anesthesia). ABR must be rigorously performed and interpreted, always in combination with a complete ENT examination and behavioral audiometry as soon as possible. In order to obtain good quality recordings, ABR must be performed with the infant totally immobile, during a nap. Several protocols can be used according to the child's age in order to obtain good quality sleep. ABR contribute to a precise hearing diagnosis, allowing early management by the first months of life.