Enhancing Hearing Assessments with
Advanced Technology
Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) is a sophisticated audiometric technique used in Speech and Hearing Clinics to objectively measure hearing thresholds. It is particularly valuable for assessing hearing in individuals who cannot reliably respond to traditional hearing tests, such as infants, young children, or individuals with developmental disabilities.
ASSR testing involves presenting continuous, repetitive auditory stimuli (tones or clicks) through earphones or bone conductors while recording the brain's electrical responses using electrodes placed on the scalp. The stimuli are modulated in amplitude or frequency at a steady rate, eliciting corresponding electrical responses from the auditory system. These responses are captured and analyzed by a computer system, which determines the hearing thresholds across different frequencies.
Newborn Hearing Screening
Pediatric Audiology
Diagnosing Auditory Neuropathy
Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Candidacy
The ASSR Process
ASSR is an indispensable tool for objectively and accurately assessing hearing thresholds. Its ability to test individuals who cannot engage in conventional audiometric tests makes it invaluable for early detection and intervention in hearing loss. With ASSR, audiologists can obtain detailed audiometric profiles, ensuring appropriate and timely management of hearing impairments.
Patient Preparation
Stimulus Delivery
Recording and Analysis
The patient’s scalp is cleaned, and electrodes are placed at specific locations, typically the vertex (top of the head) and mastoid (behind the ear). This setup is similar to that used in EEG (electroencephalography).
Auditory stimuli are delivered via earphones or bone conductors. The stimuli consist of modulated tones or clicks presented at various frequencies and intensities.
The clinic’s specialized equipment records the brain's electrical responses to the auditory stimuli. The system analyzes these responses to identify the frequency and amplitude, allowing the determination of auditory thresholds.