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 with 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.