Evoked Potentials
Evoked potential (EP) instruments measure neural synchrony in response to auditory stimuli. In other words, auditory EP tests measure the brain’s response to sound. Auditory EPs can be measured along the entire length of the auditory pathway, from the cochlea to the auditory cortex.
There are several Auditory Evoked Potentials that are used to determine the neural integrity of the auditory system. The clinician defines parameters to isolate the target EP and evaluates the latency and amplitude of the response to make diagnoses and recommendations.
EP testing devices can range from fully clinical to screening. Clinical EP instruments are the most complete devices and include predefined test types, such as ECochG, ABR, MLR, LLR, P300, and ASSR, with the ability to customize collection parameters. Clinical EP instruments allow audiologists to determine neural synchrony and cortical function. Screening ABR devices are simple portable devices that use automated protocols and provide Pass or Refer results.
GSI Evoked Potentials Devices
There are two current options with GSI for evoked potentials testing. The GSI Audera Pro™ is a clinical evoked potentials and OAE system that includes a comprehensive list of test types. The GSI Novus™ is a newborn hearing screener that provides quick and efficient AABR testing.
Audera Pro
CLINICAL EP/OAE
Novus
NEWBORN AABR SCREENER
Evoked Potentials FAQ
Find more educational materials about evoked potentials by visiting the GSI Education Page.
What are Evoked Potentials?
Evoked potentials are electrophysiologic tests of the auditory system. In an evoked potential test, electrodes are placed on a patient’s head and an auditory stimulus is presented into the ear. Waveforms from the brain’s response to the stimuli are displayed using EP software and a clinician is able to interpret the results. Evoked potentials are made up of several individual tests such as ECochG, ABR, and ASSR, and each measure a different area of the auditory pathway.
What is CE-Chirp?
CE-Chirp is a short duration stimulus that implements adjusted timing to elicit a large response for ABR and AABR testing. The timing adjustments stimulate the entire length of the cochlea at the same time which leads to a response that is up to 1.5 times larger than a traditional click stimulus. The benefit of CE-Chirp is shorter test times and increased confidence in interpretation.
What Differentiates AABR from Standard ABR?
Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) is used primarily for newborn hearing screening. This type of ABR is automatically analyzed and designed to generate a pass or refer result. Traditional Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing consists of not only ABR testing, but a battery of other evaluations to diagnose hearing loss or other ear disorders. ABR testing is performed by an audiologist, who interprets the results manually and helps develop a treatment plan for the patient.
How is Evoked Potentials Testing Applied to Newborn Hearing Screening?
The AABR protocol has been optimized for universal newborn hearing screening. The equipment is designed to be efficient and easy to use by giving the option to test both ears at the same time. Results are automatically generated as a pass or refer. Audiologists can easily interpret the results and act if necessary.