Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

From Wikipedia:

"Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is an electrical signal evoked from the brainstem of a human or other mammal by the presentation of a sound such as a click.

Auditory brainstem response audiometry, also known as brainstem evoked response (BSER) testing, is a screening test to monitor for hearing loss or deafness, especially notable for its use with newborn infants. It is a method employed to assess the functions of the ears, cranial nerves, and various brain functions of the lower part of the auditory system, prior to the child developing to the point of describing a possible hearing problem."


Lexi had her ABR yesterday - and passed with flying colors!!

It was odd to see her with sensors attached to her head and behind her ears and wires coming off of those sensors, but she was such a good girl. She would actually cry when there wasn't sound on and would make no sound at all when the sounds were playing. The audiologist said even if we didn't have the computers to tell us, her response (or lack there of) would have been enough to tell us she could hear. They did the test at different frequencies to make sure she could hear everything. Poor baby was sleepy and fell asleep in my arms before the test was over. Brady waited in the waiting room with Daddy since the exam rooms were small (which really means that Brady had Daddy walking all over the 3rd floor of the hospital for almost 2 hours). Kudos to George for having patience!!

It's such a relief to have a doctor say what George and I knew all along. We KNOW she can hear us. When Whitney was here, I told her that I wasn't concerned at all about Lexi's hearing. I'm more concerned about her kidneys since they already found fluid in one of them already.

The doctor didn't know if this cleared Lexi of a possible BOR diagnosis. I'm not sure if hearing loss is necessary or if the skin tag by her ear signaling a kidney problem is what makes her a BOR candidate. Either way, please keep Lexi in your thoughts and prayers leading up to her June 2 appointment at Vanderbilt.