ABR Testing for Newborns: What Parents Should Know

If your baby's pediatrician or hospital has recommended an ABR test in Manhattan, you may be wondering what exactly that means — and what happens next. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing is one of the most reliable ways to assess hearing in newborns and young children, and getting clarity early can make a real difference for your child's development.

What Is an Auditory Brainstem Response Test?

An ABR (auditory brainstem response) test measures how your child's auditory nerve and brainstem respond to sound. During the test, small electrodes are placed on your baby's scalp and earphones deliver soft sounds. The electrodes pick up the electrical signals traveling from the inner ear to the brain, giving our audiologists a clear picture of how well your child's hearing pathway is functioning — no verbal response from your child required.

This means the test can be performed while your baby sleeps, making it well-suited for newborns and infants.

When Is ABR Testing Recommended?

Newborn hearing screening is now recommended for all babies as part of routine health assessments. If your baby did not pass their initial hospital hearing screen, or if a screen was not completed, an ABR test is typically the next step.

ABR testing may also be recommended if:

There is a family history of childhood hearing loss
Your baby was born premature or spent time in the NICU
There were complications during delivery
Certain infections occurred during pregnancy
Your child shows signs of delayed speech development

Approximately 1 in 20 babies worldwide are born with some degree of permanent hearing impairment, according to the World Health Organization. Early detection through newborn hearing screening gives families the best opportunity to act quickly.

What Do ABR Test Results Mean?

Results from an ABR test tell us how the auditory system is responding to sound at different levels. If responses are detected at normal levels, hearing is likely within a typical range. If responses are absent or occur only at higher sound levels, this may indicate some degree of hearing loss — and further evaluation would follow.

A referral or inconclusive result from a hospital screening does not automatically mean your child has hearing loss. Factors like fluid in the ear canal or movement during the test can affect results. A follow-up ABR in a clinical setting gives a more complete and accurate picture.

ABR Testing Beyond Newborns

ABR testing is not only for infants. It can also be useful for:

Toddlers and young children who are not yet able to participate in standard hearing tests
Adults who have difficulty understanding speech despite normal-seeming hearing
Patients with tinnitus who may benefit from additional diagnostic testing
Anyone having difficulty hearing even with hearing aids

What to Expect During the Appointment

The test itself is non-invasive and painless. We place electrodes on the scalp and play sounds through small earphones. For infants, the test is ideally performed while they are asleep or in a drowsy state. The appointment generally takes under an hour, and results can be reviewed with you the same day.

Our audiologist will walk you through what the results mean and, if any hearing loss is identified, discuss what the appropriate next steps look like — whether that's further testing, monitoring, or discussing treatment options such as pediatric hearing aids.

Schedule an ABR Test at Our Manhattan Clinic

We offer ABR testing and pediatric audiology services at our Manhattan clinic, conveniently located near Midtown East. If your child has been referred for a newborn hearing screening in NYC, or if you have concerns about your child's hearing at any age, we're here to help.