What is Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) Test?
An Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) test examines how well your ears and brain collaborate to process sound. It is an objective test used for evaluation of hearing ability in children too young for traditional audiometric testing. Most children are referred for ASSR after a newborn hearing screen in the hospital indicates the possibility of hearing loss. Early intervention strategies, such as hearing devices or cochlear implantation, are necessary for development of speech and language skills in a child with hearing impairment. The results obtained from ASSR testing can be used to estimate the behavioral pure-tone audiogram or Pure Tone Audiometry test. This information is essential in the management of children with hearing loss.
Who Needs an ASSR Test?
The ASSR test offers a reliable and efficient means of assessing hearing in various individuals. Here are some specific groups who may benefit from this test:
- Infants and young children: Assess hearing objectively before behavioral testing becomes reliable.
- Children with developmental delays or cognitive impairments: Gain insights without relying on instructions.
- Adults with suspected hearing loss: Identify issues even in noisy environments.
- Individuals with cochlear implants or hearing aids: Monitor hearing status and optimize device settings.
- Patients with neurological conditions: Evaluate auditory processing in cases like autism or brain tumors.
How Does the ASSR Test Work?
The brain activity is recorded using electrodes taped on the forehead and behind each ear. The use of electrodes eliminates the need for active participation by the patient (i.e., pushing a response button every time a tone is activated). The results are detected objectively using statistical formulas that determine the presence or absence of a true response. Similar to traditional audiometric testing, a threshold is determined as the lowest level at each frequency at which a response is present. ASSR provides an accurate, frequency-specific estimate of the behavioural pure-tone audiogram.
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Schedule your free ASSR consultation today and experience the difference a Hearing Clinic can make for your hearing health!
Experience and expertise
Our audiologists have experience working with all infants, children, and adult patients with special needs.
Comfortable environment
We prioritize your comfort and provide a warm, welcoming space to ease anxiety, especially for young children.
Convenient services
Book an appointment online and enjoy multilingual staff assistance and ample free parking.
Advanced technology
At Hearing Clinic, we utilize state-of-the-art equipment for precise and reliable results.
Personalized care
We believe in treating every patient with individual attention and addressing their needs
Clear communication
You'll receive detailed and easy-to-understand reports of your ASSR test results.
Feature
Stimuli
Respons
Application
Testing time
Frequency range
Sensitivity
ASSR
Continuous tones
Follows the frequency of the tone
Infants, children, non-cooperative individuals
Quicker
Wider
More sensitive for mild hearing loss
ABR
Short clicks or chirps
It occurs at different time intervals
All age groups
Longer
Narrower
Less sensitive
ASSR vs. ABR Test
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) are objective tests that measure hearing thresholds. They are useful for diverse settings but differ in a few important ways. Through this comparison, you will better understand the complexity of each test and evaluate which would be the most suitable for you
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
Feature | ASSR | ABR |
Stimuli | Continuous tones | Short clicks or chirps |
Response | Follows the frequency of the tone | Occurs at different time intervals |
Application | Infants, children, non-cooperative individuals | All age groups |
Testing time | Quicker | Longer |
Frequency range | Wider | Narrower |
Sensitivity | More sensitive for mild hearing loss | Less sensitive |
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