How Useful Are ABR (Auditory Brain Response) and DPOAE Tests to Assess Hearing?

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Hi Dr. Nagler,

How useful do you think the Auditory Brain Response (ABR) and DPOAE tests are to assess hearing?

Thank you.

 

[Dr. Nagler]

Hi Dr. Nagler,
How useful do you think the Auditory Brain Response (ABR) and DPOAE tests are to assess hearing?
Thank you.

I am not an audiologist, and my knowledge of the usefulness of these tests is quite limited save for the fact that the ABR is supposed to be a very good screening test for hearing loss in newborns.

With respect to tinnitus, I am aware of the fact that a number of clinicians order these tests on their adult patients who present with intrusive tinnitus, but I have never been able to figure out how the results assist in actual decision-making.

Sorry I could not be more helpful.

Stephen M. Nagler, M.D.