Beth: Okay, now that you’re feeling more confident, let’s go back to automated-ABR screening. Step one, clean and prepare the skin. Some automated-ABR equipment requires that the baby’s skin is clean before placing the electrodes, and in that case, we use electrode paste or skin prep. Just rub the skin with a few good swipes before you place the electrodes. Step two, placing the electrodes. Now that the baby’s skin is prepared, you can place the electrodes. The type of the electrodes and placement varies with equipment, so always check with your program manager about the electrode placement sites. As I said earlier, the electrodes have a sticky back similar to band-aids. After placing the electrodes, connect the electrode leads to the equipment. This allows the equipment to pick up on small brainwave responses of the hearing nerve to sound. Step Three, after the electrodes are in place and they’re connected, place  ear covers or  each ear or probe insert in each ear. Place the cable above the top of the baby’s head to make sure the probe insert stays in place if the baby moves. Be sure that all cables are connected to the cable box per the manufacturer’s requirements. Step Four, start the screening.  

Jordan: It sounds like there are a lot of different types of equipment, how will I know which one I’m using?

Beth: Your program manager will be able to give you specifics about the type of equipment you’re using and more detailed steps for their use. These steps give you a basic overview.