Adult & Pediatric Otolaryngology • Head & Neck Surgery • Sinus & Nasal Surgery • Facial Plastic Surgery • Otologic Surgery

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Electrocochleography (ECOG) Testing

ABR Testing What is ABR Testing? The Auditory Brainstem Response Test evaluates the auditory nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brainstem.

How is the test performed? This diagnostic test obtains auditory information without requiring the active participation of the patient. Very small sensor s (surface electrode tabs) are placed on the forehead and small foam electrodes are also placed just inside the ear canal to present sounds into the ear. The testing begins when click sounds are intro- duced to the ears. The sounds may vary in intensity and tone but should never be uncomfortable. The nerve responses that are picked up by the electrodes and passed on to sophisticated equipment are measured and analyzed by the audiologist. It is painless and non-invasive. The patient is reclined in a comfortable chair. F or best results, the patient is asked to close their eyes, relax, and remain as still as possible. The patient can feel free to fall asleep.

Why do I need an ABR? The ABR test can be administered to provide an objective estimate of hearing sensitivity and/or evaluate various neural disorders in the auditory pathways. ABR testing may be performed in cases of asymmetric hearing loss, unilateral tinnitus, sudden hearing loss, or other auditory conditions.

What do I need to do before the test? The only requirements for testing are that the patient’s ear canals must be relatively free of wax. If wax impaction has been a problem in the past, the patient may want to have their ears cleaned prior to the test. Cessation of medication and food does not apply for this test. This test takes approximately 40 minutes to administer.

ECOG Testing What is ECOG testing? Electrocochleography is a test that evaluates the cochlea, which is the organ of hearing in the inner ear. ECOG measures electric potentials or signals in the inner ear in response to sound. The responses are picked up by electrodes in the ear canals and displayed on a computer screen. The results can be used to further evaluate balance problems.

How is the test performed? The patient will be reclined in a comfortable chair and surface electrodes will be placed on the forehead and foam electrodes will be placed in each ear canal. During the test the patient is asked to close their eyes, relax, and remain as still as possible. It is painless. Clicking sounds will be introduced into the ear canal. The sounds may be relatively loud, but they should never be uncomfortable. The nerve responses are picked up by the electrodes and passed on to sophisticated computerized equipment. When all necessary data are compiled, the audiologist will analyze them.

Damian W. Sorvino, MD • Renato J. Giacchi, MD • Seth J. Kanowitz, MD, FACS • Sara B. Immerman, MD • Christine D. Cairns, MD 95 Madison Avenue, Suite 105, Morristown, NJ 07960 973.644.0808 • advocaremorristownent.com PH 27 (12/17) Adult & Pediatric Otolaryngology • Head & Neck Surgery • Sinus & Nasal Surgery • Facial Plastic Surgery • Otologic Surgery

Why do I need ECOG testing? ECOG may be used to help diagnose whether you have any disease which may cause an accumulation of inner ear fluid, such as Meniere’s disease.

What do I need to do before the test? The only requirements for testing are that the patient’s inner ear canals must be relatively free of wax. If wax impaction has been a problem in the past, the patient may want to have their ears cleaned prior to the test. Cessation of medication and food does not apply for this test. This test takes approximately 20 minutes to administer.

Advocare Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Morristown will bill your insurance company for the above tests. You may or may not be responsible for a co-pay, deductible, and/or co-insurance. You will be billed for any remaining balance when we get the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company.

*PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ABR & ECOG TESTING CAN NOT BE PERFORMED ON PATIENTS WITH EXTERNAL PACEMAKERS*

Damian W. Sorvino, MD • Renato J. Giacchi, MD • Seth J. Kanowitz, MD, FACS • Sara B. Immerman, MD • Christine D. Cairns, MD 95 Madison Avenue, Suite 105, Morristown, NJ 07960 973.644.0808 • advocaremorristownent.com PH 27 (12/17)