An objective test that estimates hearing thresholds at specific frequencies — especially useful for infants and for more severe hearing loss.
ASSR works on a similar principle to BERA — recording the brain's electrical response to sound — but uses continuous modulated tones rather than clicks, allowing it to estimate hearing levels at individual frequencies, much like a full audiogram.
It is particularly useful for infants and young children who cannot complete behavioural testing, and for patients with severe to profound hearing loss where standard click-based BERA has limits.
As with BERA, the patient needs to be still or asleep throughout. ASSR and BERA are often performed together in infants, since each provides complementary information.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Roughly 60–90 minutes |
| Preparation | Natural sleep for infants; sedation planning discussed in advance for toddlers, when clinically appropriate |
| What Happens | Scalp electrodes record the brain's response to modulated tones delivered at specific frequencies through earphones |
| Who It's For | Infants needing detailed thresholds, children unable to complete behavioural testing, and severe-profound hearing loss evaluation |
ASSR is usually recommended when a fuller, frequency-specific picture of hearing is needed than BERA alone can provide.
Signs to Watch For
| Other Reasons for Referral
|
Frequency-Specific ResultsEstimates thresholds across individual frequencies, closer to a full audiogram than BERA alone. | Combined With BERACan be scheduled in the same session as BERA for a more complete result. | |
Paediatric SchedulingAppointments are planned around natural sleep, with sedation only when clinically needed. | Supports Hearing Aid PlanningObjective threshold data helps guide hearing aid or implant decisions with confidence. | |
BERA uses brief clicks and gives a general estimate of hearing. ASSR uses continuous tones at specific frequencies and can estimate thresholds across the frequency range, plus test at higher intensities.
No. It's a non-invasive test using scalp electrodes and earphones, with no discomfort involved.
Each test provides different, complementary information. Combining them gives a fuller and more reliable estimate of hearing, which matters when decisions like hearing aid fitting depend on the result.
Infants are usually tested during natural sleep. Older toddlers who cannot stay still may need a mild, medically supervised sedative.
Get a detailed, frequency-specific hearing assessment at Apollo Clinic, Shyamnagar.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is general and is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified audiologist or ENT specialist. Test results should always be interpreted by a professional in the context of your full clinical picture. All procedures are performed after clinical assessment and informed consent.
apolloclinicshyamnagar1@gmail.com
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