Journal of Audiology & Otology

Special Article: Korean J Audiol. 2009;13(2):112-115.; General Consideration in Standardization of ABR Measurements; Dukhwan Lim; Division of Speech Pathology & Audiology, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea

Abstract: General purpose auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurement would not require special regulations for practitioners with adequate education and training. However, basic guidelines on ABR will lead to the accurate comparison of data from various institutions. Purposes of ABR evaluation determine basic configuration and parameters in measuring responses such as in contralateral/ipsilateral arrays, electrode types, transducers, stimulus types, stimulation rates, measuring system parameters, and interpretation of data. These, however, are simply guidelines and can not be the fixed rules. Extreme values are often used depending on purposes of evaluation as in low rate or high rate stimulations. Similar examples can be seen in screening/diagnostic tests, threshold/neural conduction tests, monaural/binaural stimulations, and other special cases. Therefore, it is always recommended to record the related parameters for accurate comparison of data. In standardization of ABR measurement, main points should include the aspects on knowledge and skills in practitioners, device calibration, parameters on measuring protocols, and interpretation of data. As of now, purpose-driven flexibility is important in ABR measurements. It is desirable to have general and abstract guidelines for ABR standardization for correct and effective ABR measurements to include diverse circumstances. Practitioners with adequate training and skill can modify individual protocols to suit the purposes and it is important to record the corresponding parameters for accurate interpretation and comparison. 

Keywords :Auditory brainstem response;Standardization;Auditory evaluation.