The ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) tests to see how well the inner ear (cochlea) and the auditory nerve to the brain are working. It is done when a baby fails their newborn hearing screening or when a child cannot respond or sit still for a regular hearing test. The test takes about 1.5-2 hours, and the child needs to be asleep for accurate results.
Preparing for the test looks different depending on the age of the child. Children over 6 months may get sedation so they can sleep. Children under 6 months typically do not get sedation, but must stay asleep during the test (Ike was in the under 6 month category… no sedation).
To help your baby stay asleep, they suggest to keep them awake for several hours and to make sure they are hungry.
*Note: this is so when test time comes, you can feed your baby and they will fall asleep in your arms
5 Ways to Prepare Your Baby for an ABR
1. Wake your baby up early
Yep, this means, if your appointment is early, you will need to pull your sleeping baby out of their slumber. Warning: If you have never woken a peacefully sleeping baby … there will be crying. You know your baby and their sleep habits, so you will have to determine how early you need to wake them. In our case, it was about 3 or 4 hours before test time.
2. Do not feed your baby
Yep, this means when your baby is crying and yearning for a nice bottle, all they get is a pacifier in the mouth. (If your baby doesn’t use a pacifier … I’m sorry... Maybe get yourself some earplugs?)
3. Pack like a Pro
Here are some suggestions:
*BOTTLE--You are going to NEED this! You should honestly bring two.
*Swaddle--Babies tend to sleep better and longer when they are all bundled up
*Boppy Pillow--Parents, this will save your arms through the 2 hour test, plus it will make a comfy resting place for your baby.
*Pacifier--or anything similar to soothe your baby
4. Keep your baby awake, even if they want to sleep
This is not easy. This goes against typical parent code. Remember, you are doing this for the greater good.
Tips for keeping your baby awake:
*Tickle them--I preferred this method. The collar bone, the inner thigh, and the feet are optimal tickle zones.
*Blow air in their face--GENTLY blow air in their face. A little air flow can startle them just enough to keep them awake.
*Turn up the A/C or turn a fan on--Warm environments make babies feel sleepy. Keeping the room a bit chilly will keep them just uncomfortable enough to stay awake.
*Sit with them in the car--We had a 45 minute car ride, which is typically a snooze fest for babies. I had to sit in the back seat next to Ike and continue the tickle and blowing air in the face techniques.
5. Remind yourself that your baby has no permanent memories until around the age of 3, so they won’t hate you for this.
It is never fun to hear your baby crying. As parents, we want to comfort and care for our babies at all times. Just remember that a tired and hungry baby WILL cry. Try to stay positive, smile, and exude love for your baby during this time. It will be over before you know it and, I promise, they will still love you.
Bonus Parent Tips:
*Pee before the test starts. (Remember, you will be holding your baby for 2 hours!)
*Take this time to ask the audiologist questions.
*Keep your phone within reach. (In case you get board or need a distraction.)
*If you get tired, lay your head back and sleep. (I promise the audiologist doesn’t mind and they definitely have it happen all the time.)
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