Hearing plays a vital role in communication and overall quality of life. For individuals, especially infants or those unable to respond in traditional hearing tests, advanced diagnostic tools are essential for accurate results. One such reliable and modern test used worldwide is the Auditory Steady State Response Test. In Pakistan, this test is becoming increasingly popular for its precision and effectiveness in evaluating hearing thresholds objectively.
If you’re searching for information about this test, its benefits, and the ASSR test price, this detailed guide by RCHI Pakistan will help you understand everything you need to know.
What Is the Auditory Steady State Response Test?
The Auditory Steady State Response Test (commonly known as ASSR) is an advanced audiological test designed to measure how well a person’s hearing system responds to sounds. Unlike traditional hearing tests that rely on patient participation, the ASSR test uses computer technology to record the brain’s electrical activity in response to sound stimuli.
This test is particularly helpful for:
- Newborns and infants who cannot respond behaviorally to sound.
- People with developmental disabilities who have difficulty following verbal instructions.
- Adults with inconsistent results in other hearing evaluations.
It provides objective, frequency-specific, and ear-specific results, allowing audiologists to determine the exact degree of hearing loss with high accuracy.
How Does the ASSR Test Work?
The Auditory Steady State Response Test involves placing small sensors on the scalp and behind the ears to measure brain activity. The patient wears headphones through which sounds of varying frequencies and intensities are played.
Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
- Preparation – The patient sits or lies comfortably in a quiet room. Infants may be asleep during the test.
- Electrode Placement – Electrodes are attached to specific points on the head and ears to capture neural responses.
- Sound Stimulation – Tones at different frequencies are sent to the ears via earphones.
- Recording Responses – The computer records how the auditory system reacts to each sound.
- Result Analysis – Audiologists analyze the brainwave patterns to determine hearing thresholds at different frequencies.
The entire test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of frequencies tested.
Why the ASSR Test Is Important
The Auditory Steady State Response Test offers several advantages over traditional audiometry:
- Objective and Reliable – It doesn’t rely on verbal responses, making it ideal for newborns, children, and individuals with special needs.
- Frequency-Specific Data – It provides detailed results for each frequency, helping in accurate diagnosis of mild to profound hearing loss.
- Useful for Hearing Aid Fitting – Results from the test help audiologists choose and program hearing aids effectively.
- Comfortable and Non-Invasive – The test is painless and completely safe for patients of all ages.
- Accurate in Various Conditions – Even if the patient is asleep or sedated, the test can still deliver accurate results.
Because of these benefits, RCHI Pakistan recommends the Auditory Steady State Response Test as a key diagnostic tool for precise hearing evaluation.
When Should You Get an ASSR Test?
You might need this test if:
- Your newborn did not pass the initial hearing screening after birth.
- You or your child show signs of hearing difficulty but behavioral tests are inconclusive.
- You want a more accurate assessment before selecting or adjusting a hearing aid.
- An audiologist recommends a detailed, frequency-based evaluation of hearing thresholds.
Getting an early and accurate diagnosis through the Auditory Steady State Response Test helps ensure timely intervention, such as hearing aid fitting or speech therapy.
Understanding the ASSR Test Price in Pakistan
The ASSR test price in Pakistan can vary depending on several factors, such as:
- The city and location of the hearing clinic.
- The technology and equipment used during the test.
- Whether the test is done for one ear or both ears.
- The expertise and qualifications of the audiologist performing it.
On average, the ASSR test price in Pakistan typically ranges from PKR 8,000 to PKR 15,000. Some advanced hearing centers may charge slightly more due to the use of high-end diagnostic systems and detailed analysis reports.
At RCHI Pakistan, the goal is to make advanced hearing diagnostics accessible and affordable. Our prices are kept competitive without compromising on accuracy or quality of care.
ASSR vs. ABR – What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse the Auditory Steady State Response Test with the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test. While both are objective hearing tests, they have distinct differences:
| Feature | ASSR | ABR |
|---|---|---|
| Measures | Continuous brain response to sound | Brainstem response to short sound clicks |
| Purpose | Determines hearing thresholds across multiple frequencies | Detects presence of hearing loss |
| Test Time | Slightly longer but more detailed | Shorter, less frequency-specific |
| Best For | Hearing aid fitting and degree of loss | Newborn hearing screening |
In simple terms, ABR tells you if a person can hear, while ASSR tells you how much they can hear at specific frequencies.
Why Choose RCHI Pakistan for Hearing Tests
At RCHI Pakistan, we take pride in offering advanced diagnostic solutions such as the Auditory Steady State Response Test with the latest audiology technology. Our team of trained audiologists ensures precise testing, patient comfort, and detailed counseling after results.
Here’s why patients trust us:
- Experienced audiologists trained in pediatric and adult hearing assessments.
- Modern diagnostic equipment for accurate, reliable outcomes.
- Affordable ASSR test price without compromising quality.
- Comprehensive hearing care, from diagnosis to rehabilitation and hearing aid fitting.
Our mission is to help individuals of all ages achieve better hearing and an improved quality of life.
Final Thoughts
The Auditory Steady State Response Test is one of the most accurate and reliable ways to measure hearing thresholds, especially for infants and individuals who cannot undergo traditional hearing exams. With its precision, comfort, and objectivity, the test helps ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment for hearing loss.
If you’re looking for expert hearing evaluation and want to know the ASSR test price, RCHI Pakistan is here to provide advanced hearing testing services you can trust. We combine technology, expertise, and care to deliver the best outcomes for every patient.
