Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
The ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists have referred you to the audiology department at West Middlesex University Hospital for a specialised hearing test.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
If you require hospital transport your GP needs to arrange this as it is your first appointment with audiology.
If you wish to bring a family member, carer or friend to this appointment please feel free to do so.
What will happen at my appointment?
At this appointment we will verify your personal details. We may first take a short medical history from you and look in your ears to ensure that your ears are not blocked with wax or discharge.
We will then proceed to prepare you for the test. The test procedure is non-intrusive and will cause you no discomfort. You will be required to lie on a bed and relax. The Audiologist will clean your skin with a wipe and scrub. Four electrodes are then placed on your head, one behind each ear and two on your forehead. These electrodes are placed on by an adhesive strip on the electrode.
A set of inserts are then placed in your ears and the lights are turned off to help you relax. You will hear clicking sounds through the inserts. You do not respond to these sounds, you just relax and the electrodes do all the recordings.
It is very important that you do not make any noise during the test. The Audiologist will tell you when the test has finished and you can go home.
Who will I be seen by?
All hearing assessments are carried out by a qualified Audiologist, who is registered with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists. We are a teaching hospital so on occasion there may also be a student present in the appointment. If you are not comfortable with this, please let us know when you check in for your appointment at the Audiology Reception desk.
How long will my appointment take?
The appointment will be allocated 90 minutes. We aim to see you on time but sometimes Audiology clinics can be unavoidably delayed. We will keep you informed if there is a delay to your appointment.
What happens after my appointment?
At the end of the appointment you will be asked if you have a follow up ENT
appointment to obtain the results of the test. If you do not have an appointment one will be arranged for you.
If you have any queries regarding your ENT appointment to obtain the results of your test you must contact the ENT department on 020 8321 5904.
Can I cancel my appointment?
If you need to cancel this appointment, you are only allowed to cancel your appointment twice. If you cancel a 3rd time you will be discharged back to your GP and will need a new referral.
If you fail to attend this appointment, you will be discharged back to your GP’s care and will need a new referral. This is in line with the Hospital Trust Policy.
Please keep in mind appointment availability for this test is very limited.
PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU REPORT TO THE AUDIOLOGY RECEPTION DESK.
PLEASE ENSURE YOUR MOBILE PHONE IS SWITCHED OFF PRIOR TO BEING CALLED INTO THE CONSULTING ROOM TO ENSURE IT DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE RECORDINGS.