Auditory brainstem response in neonates during the first 48 hours after birth.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) has been recorded in 20 neonates at three different time intervals during the first 48 hours after birth. The first recording was performed about 15 min after delivery, when the babies were in their first period of postnatal reactivity. During this period, we were unable to obtain reliable ABR data. During the second and third ABR test performed 2 and 48 hours after birth the babies revealed gradually better responses. Data from these recordings suggest no significant change in middle ear function during the time interval between 2 and 48 hours after birth. Observations of amplitude ratio wave V/wave I are presented. Finally, reservations regarding the interpretation of the results are discussed.