Auditory Brainstem Response ABR testing has long been a proven method for assessing the neural integrity of the auditory system. Diagnostic ABR is considered the "gold" standard in the overall assessment of the auditory system. Diagnostic ABR, however, is not an acceptable infant hearing screener since it must be administered by highly trained personnel, is too time consuming, requires expensive equipment and, therefore, it too costly to implement on a large scale. Screening ABR instruments address these issues quite effectively. These instruments are automated, portable, and less expensive. Only a short period of time is required to train personnel on electrode placement and equipment operation. (We should emphasize that automation of the screening test in no way eliminates the need for an experienced audiologist to supervise and oversee the screening program). Acquired test data is analyzed and compared to an algorithm within the software of the test instrument. If a favorable comparison is obtained within an acceptable period of time, the a "PASS" is obtained. Conversely, if the acquired results do not compare favorably to the algorithm, then a "REFER" message appears. Screening ABR instruments are now available that operate completely in an automated screening format, but with the option of reviewing the acquired ABR data to confirm acceptable analysis on the part of the system software. This is not the "black box" approach used by older technology which offers no flexibility or review options.

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