Testing time comparison between two procedures with new technologies of Automated Auditory Brainstem

Purpose: To compare the testing time of two Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) procedures using different repetition rates and detection modes. Methods: A hearing screening using AABR was performed in 30 newborns with mean age of 21 days. Each newborn was submitted to two hearing screening procedures using different AABR equipments (Procedure 1 and Procedure 2). Procedure 1 used a repetition rate of 53 Hz and the one-sample test for response detection; Procedure 2 used a repetition rate of 90 Hz, and the q-sample test for response detection. The ABR with click stimulus was then registered as gold standard test, and the responses were analyzed by a trained audiologist. Results: The mean time observed for Procedure 1 considering both ears was 84.8 (±53.5) seconds; for Procedure 2 the mean time was 27.9 (±20.0) seconds. The testing time of the first procedure was three times longer than the second one. Statistical analysis showed significant difference between the testing times of the procedures. Conclusion: The q-sample test and the repetition rate of 90 Hz used in the AABR equipment showed earlier response detection.