This test
is ordered by physicians to help diagnose
nervous-system abnormalities, hearing
losses (especially in low-birth weight newborns),
and to assess neurologic functions.This
helps in early detection and threshold estimation
of hearing impairment in children
This test focuses on changes
and responses in brain waves that are stimulated
by a clicking sound to evaluate the auditory
pathways of the brainstem. The test is performed
by placing the patient in a reclining chair
or bed. The patient is asked to relax and
remain still. Electrodes are placed on the
patient’s scalp, along the vertex
and on each earlobe. The patient hears clicking
noises or tone bursts through earphones,
and the electrodes pick up the brains response
and record it on a graph.
There
is no discomfort in the administration of
this test and there are no risks involved
to the patient.