ASSR Hearing Test

ASSR Test Clinic in India

ASSR “OR” Auditory Steady State Response

Auditory Steady State Response or say ASSR provides an accurate, frequency-specific estimate of the behavioural pure-tone audiogram.

It’s an objective test used for evaluation of hearing ability in children too young for traditional Audiometric Testing. The key point is that the person being tested must be very quiet and still in order to obtain reliable ASSR results.

An auditory steady-state response (ASSR) is an electrophysiological response that is evoked by an auditory stimulus which is presented through either insert ear phones, headphones or through BC transducer if doing BC ASSR. An ASSR typically uses frequency specific stimuli which is usually 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz with the aim of creating an estimated audiogram. In other words, ASSR is used to perform threshold estimation objectively.

Unlike auditory brainstem response which measures amplitude and latency of the response in the time domain, ASSR measures amplitudes and phases in the frequency domain. Another major difference is that in ABR it is only possible to test one frequency in one ear at a time in frequency-specific threshold ABR. ASSR allows for binaural testing; four frequencies in each ear at the same time. Which saves time and gives us more accurate information. Below figure shows a Normal ASSR graph.

ASSR shows frequency-specific thresholds and is a very useful tool in programming hearings aids for small children as behavioural audiometry is not possible in those population. A clinician can have a better understanding of gain which needs to be given in specific frequency and also to decide which type of hearing aid or amplification device would be more beneficial for the child.

ASSR also plays a major role in deciding candidate for Cochlear Implantation as with the help of it we can easily determine if the residual hearing is within or under the speech banana on Audiogram and if hearing aid provides limited benefits after trial.

The Below ASSR graph shows a hearing loss in few specific frequencies.

ASSR

The auditory steady-state response (ASSR) can be thought of as an electrophysiologic response to rapid auditory stimuli. The goal of ASSR is to create an estimated audiogram. ASSR can be used binaurally while evaluating broad bands or four frequencies (500 Hz, 1000 Hz and 400 Hz,) simultaneously. ASSR Offers more spectral information more quickly and can estimate and differentiate hearing within the sever-to-profound hearing loss ranges. ASSR can be recorded using frequency-specific stimuli. Test frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz are commonly used as ASSR carrier stimuli. These frequencies are modulated with respect to amplitude-frequency

How Do Our Audiologists Conduct ASSR Hearing Tests?

ASSR hearing test is a painless and non-invasive procedure that usually causes only mild discomfort to the patient. These are the steps that our audiologists follow when performing the ASSR ear test.

To take this test, the experts will ask the patient to sit or lie comfortably.
Next, they will place the electrodes on the scalp of the patient to determine how the auditory pathway responds electrically to auditory stimuli of different frequencies.
These stimuli will be provided through headphones or insertphones.
Finally, the audiologists will analyze the recorded responses using computer software.

ASSR Testing and Cochlear Implant

To obtain vital information regarding the severity of the hearing loss of the individuals receiving cochlear implants, ASSR testing will be done. Before considering a cochlear implant, this evaluation helps experts identify the optimal device parameters and evaluate whether fitting with hearing aids is feasible.

Listed below are the major advantages of ASSR Testing for candidates seeking cochlear implants:

High degree of accuracy in estimating hearing threshold
Customized device configuration
Assessment of the benefits of hearing aids

If your child or any person whom you know is struggling to provide reliable behavioral responses, then contact Asha Speech and Hearing Clinic for consultation. Our team of experts will estimate the hearing thresholds of the patient using Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) testing and will provide individualized treatment. In addition to the PTA ear test and other hearing tests, we have also been taking ASSR hearing tests in New Delhi for many years.

Sometimes patients those who have trouble providing behavioral responses to traditional hearing tests like pure-tone audiometry, benefit greatly from ASSR testing. So, without any hesitation, book an appointment with us to get accurate ASSR hearing test results and the best hearing health care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR)?

The (ASSR) test is an objective test which is used to assess hearing sensitivity. Unlike traditional behavioral hearing tests where the patient must respond, ASSR detects brainstem activity in response to sound. It is particularly useful for individuals who cannot provide reliable responses, such as infants, young children, or individuals with severe cognitive impairments.

How do I prepare for my ASSR appointment?

No special prep—just arrive with clean hair (no heavy oils), so that electrodes stick well. And child should sleep during the test . In case of adult this test can be done in awake situation also .

What is difference between ASSR and BERA ?

ASSR measures the steady-state electrical responses which is generated in the brainstem and it gives responses from frequency 500 – 4Khz and at all intensity. Whereas, BERA (also known as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)) measures response from broad frequency. The test provides precise information about the integrity and timing of the auditory pathway.