ABR test

[Cjay]

Hi,

It doesn't look like anyone really posts here but I'll give it a try anyways. I just came from the ENT and because I can't have an MRI done ( have an implanted Spinal Cord Stimulator), he's ordered an ABR hearing test ( Auditory Brainstem Response). Has anyone here ever had one of these done and if so what are they looking for? I've developed severe hearing lose in my left ear and significant lose in the right one. For the last 7 months my ear drum in my right ear has been concaved...there's no fluid behind the ear drum and with monthly testing done and meds there's been no change in it. Any thoughts on what might be going on would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help.

Cjay

[leaf]

Hi Cjay,

This is to test for any problems with the tranmission of nerve impulses from the inner ear along the auditory nerve. The MRI is usually the method adopted these days, the ABR is the older less favoured method, and is like having a eeg. You will listen to various clicks then the response along the nerve is then recorded. It is often used in the case of sensorineural hearing loss, to ascertain whether the loss is sensory, the inner ear, or neural, to do with nerve conduction.

Here's a good description of the testing procedure,

http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/testing/baer.htm

Jon

Just thought I'd add... the MRI doesn't check for nerve impulses, but generally looks at the condition of the auditory nerve. The Abr tests nerve conduction and hence from that the condition of the auditory nerve is ascertained

[Cjay]

Leif,

Thank You so much for the info. It was very helpful. They had a cancellation last Friday, so I got in over a month early to have the testing done. The only thing that I was told was that there was a significant difference :eek: between the two ears. She said that she hoped to have all of the numbers figured out and that my Dr should have the results by Wed. of this week.

Since having the testing done, I've had a constant headache, ringing and pain in both ears. Sure hope that this is normal and that it clears up real fast. :(

Thanks again,
Cjay

[Cjay]

My ENT Dr. called this afternoon with the results of my ABR test. In his words not good at all:eek: :( He said he consulted with numerous different Drs. about the outcome of the test. They all are sure that I have an Acoustic Neuroma. His office will be setting up an Lumbar Puncture, which then they'll introduce air thru that and then do a CAT scan, to see just what is all involved. I'm sure not looking forward to having it done.

I did some research on Acoustic Neuromas and it sure doesn't sound very good. Has anyone here had any experience with this? Thanks in advance for any help...it'll be very appreciated.

Cjay