Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR)
Introduction
Understanding Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR)
Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) is an objective measure of hearing function, which means that it does not rely on the patient’s subjective feedback. ASSR measures the brain’s electrical activity in response to auditory stimuli, which are typically delivered through earphones or speakers.
Here are some key things to know about ASSR:
How Does ASSR Work?
When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the eardrum to vibrate. This vibration is transmitted through the middle ear and eventually reaches the cochlea, which is a small, spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear. The cochlea contains tiny hair cells that are responsible for converting the sound waves into electrical signals that can be sent to the brain.
ASSR works by measuring the brain’s electrical activity in response to
auditory stimuli. The test typically involves playing a series of tones or clicking sounds through earphones or speakers while electrodes are placed on the patient’s scalp to measure the brain’s response.
The tones or clicks are delivered at specific frequencies and amplitudes, and the electrodes measure the brain’s response at the same frequencies. The results are recorded and used to evaluate the patient’s hearing function
Benefits of ASSR
There are several benefits to using ASSR as an assessment tool for hearing function. Some of the key benefits include:
How is ASSR Administered?
ASSR testing is typically administered by an audiologist or other trained healthcare professional. During the test, the patient will be asked to sit comfortably in a quiet room or sound booth. Electrodes will be placed on the patient’s scalp and earphones or speakers will be used to deliver the auditory stimuli.
The test typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on the specific protocols used by the healthcare professional.