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What is an AEP test? (Auditory Evoked Potential)
An AEP test is the recording of very small electrical signals from areas of your brain in response to sounds that are not
easily seen in a regular EEG. These parts of the brain are called the “brainstem” and “cortex”. The signals are so small that a computer
must be used to pick out these special signals for the doctor to see.
A series of clicks are delivered through an earphone to your ear. As the clicks travel from your ear through the various pathways
in your brain, they produce electrical signals. These signals are added up by the computer to create the waveforms of your test.
Why do people have AEP’s?
AEP’s check the health
of specific pathways in the brain. Some common reasons why patients come for this test are: weakness, nausea, vomiting, unusual ringing of ears, dizziness,
hearing loss, vision problems, headaches, numbness, etc. It also is used to search for very subtle tumors affecting the hearing apparatus. It can also be used to help diagnose
multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases.
Does an AEP test hurt?
No, an AEP does not hurt – it is painless. You can even sleep during the test if you are tired.
What do AEP’s show?
By looking at the shapes and heights of the waves, when they occur, and how many there are, the doctor can tell whether or not
there may be any problem in various regions of your brain devoted to hearing.
How long does the test take?
The AEP test takes about an hour.
How to get ready for an AEP test:
- Wash your hair if possible.
- Do not stop taking any prescribed medications unless your doctor tells you to do so.
What happens when you come to the laboratory?
The technician will be with you throughout the test and give you instructions as needed.
The following activities will occur during your visit to the laboratory:
- First, you will be taken into a room where an
audiogram will be performed. The technician will put earphones on your head and sounds will be transmitted from
a special machine. The audiogram will help the doctor and technician determine that your outer and middle ears are
relatively clear for the AEP test.
- You will then be taken into the AEP room where the
technician will seat you in a comfortable lounge chair. The technician will glue on three
electrodes.
- The electrodes will be tested with a special meter
to ensure there is a good connection.
- Next, the technician will put earphones on your head, lean you back in the chair and ask you to relax and be very still.
You may take a nap if you like.
- The test begins: A clicking sound will be delivered to one ear at a time.
The clicks will be on for a while, off briefly, on again, and off. This will
be repeated for several minutes. One ear will be tested at a time. The test
may or may not be repeated with louder or faster clicks.
- The test ends: The earphones will be removed from your head and the electrodes will be
removed with warm water. You may want to wash your hair when you get home or back to your room, unless your
activities are restricted.
- A neurologist trained in understanding this test will interpret the test and communicate the results to your private physician.
- Your doctor will tell you the results of your test.
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