Auditory evoked potential evaluation (1956)

Key points below

What is the Auditory Evoked Potential (AEP) evaluation?

It is a hearing test that tells us if your child has normal hearing or if they have hearing loss. It can also tell how much hearing loss there is. It is done while your child sleeps.

Why is this test important?

Untreated hearing loss can cause speech and language delays. It can also cause learning delays.

How is the test done?

Four small stickers are put on your child’s head. They are called electrodes.
Two are put on your child’s forehead and one is behind each ear. Two small headphones are put in your child’s ears.
Different sounds are played into your child’s ears.
A computer measures how well the ear can pick up sounds. It also tells us how well the ear sends those sounds to the brain.
Most of the time, the results are ready right after the test.

What do I need to know and do to get ready for the test?

There are 2 different ways to do the test. Your child will have the test that is checked.

______ Natural Sleep AEP Evaluation

Plan to have someone care for your other children. They may not come to the test.
Please bring extra diapers, milk or formula, blankets, and a pacifier to the appointment. This will help to comfort your baby.
Please arrive with a tired, hungry baby. The test will not work if your child is awake. It is best if your baby does not sleep during the car ride to the hospital. Most babies will sleep through the whole test if they are ready for a feeding and a nap.
When you arrive, you can nurse or feed your baby so they fall asleep.
We can do this test while your baby sleeps in your arms or in their car seat.
The test will take around two hours.

______ Sedated AEP Evaluation

This test is done after your child falls asleep after getting special medicine (anesthesia). This is used for older infants and children to help them sleep for the test.
A nurse will call you 1 to 3 days before the test. The nurse will review your child’s health history, final instructions and any possible changes.
When to stop eating and drinking before surgery (NPO instructions)
It is very important that you follow these instructions. If your child eats or drinks after the time you are given, the food or drink could get into their lungs when they are given anesthesia. This is called aspiration and could be very dangerous. Your child’s evaluation may be cancelled if these instructions are not followed.
This test will take around one hour. This does not include preparation time.

For more health and wellness information check out this resource:https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information. This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.