Hearing plays a vital role in how people connect, learn, and communicate every day. When hearing issues arise, early diagnosis through modern hearing assessments becomes essential. Among the most trusted and advanced diagnostic tools are the ABR test and ASSR test, both of which help identify hearing loss accurately, especially in newborns and individuals who cannot respond in standard hearing evaluations.

This article explores what these tests are, how they work, and what the ABR test price in Pakistan and ASSR test price in Pakistan generally look like in 2025.

Understanding the ABR Test

The auditory brainstem response test (commonly called the ABR test) is a non-invasive hearing examination that records how the brain responds to sounds. It’s especially valuable for infants and individuals who are unable to provide behavioral feedback during a typical hearing test.

During the procedure, electrodes are gently placed on the scalp and ears. The patient hears a series of clicking sounds through earphones, and the electrodes measure how the auditory nerve and brainstem react. This helps audiologists determine if hearing loss exists and, if so, what type or degree it might be.

The ABR test is often recommended in hospitals, ENT clinics, and hearing centers throughout Pakistan. It’s a comfortable, safe, and painless test, typically completed within 30–45 minutes.

Understanding the ASSR Test

The ASSR test, short for Auditory Steady-State Response, is another highly advanced hearing test used to measure hearing thresholds objectively. Similar to the ABR, it uses electrodes and sound stimuli but provides more detailed information about hearing sensitivity at multiple frequencies simultaneously.

Audiologists prefer the ASSR test when they need an accurate estimate of hearing levels across a wide range of pitches. It’s particularly useful for programming hearing aids or cochlear implants in both children and adults.

The combination of ABR and ASSR tests offers a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s hearing health, ensuring the most suitable treatment plan or hearing device selection.

ABR Test Price in Pakistan (2025 Update)

The ABR test price in Pakistan can vary depending on the city, clinic, and technology used. On average, in 2025, the price typically ranges between PKR 4,000 to PKR 8,000 per session.

Large diagnostic centers in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad might charge slightly higher fees due to advanced facilities and experienced audiologists. Smaller clinics or regional hospitals may offer more affordable rates, but it’s always advisable to ensure the center uses modern and calibrated equipment for accurate results.

Factors that influence the ABR test price in Pakistan include:

• Type of equipment and software used

• The expertise of the audiologist

• Location and reputation of the clinic

• Whether the test is conducted for one or both ears

ASSR Test Price in Pakistan (2025 Update)

When it comes to the ASSR test price in Pakistan, the cost generally ranges from PKR 6,000 to PKR 10,000 per test, depending on the testing center. Because the ASSR test provides more complex frequency-based data, it sometimes costs slightly more than the ABR test.

In some advanced hearing clinics, both ABR and ASSR tests may be offered together as part of a complete hearing assessment package. These packages are often more economical and ensure a full understanding of hearing performance from multiple angles.

Comprehensive Hearing Assessment in Pakistan

A professional hearing assessment in Pakistan goes beyond basic hearing screening. It may include physical ear examinations, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, ABR test, and ASSR test depending on the patient’s condition.

Children born with risk factors for hearing loss—such as premature birth, family history, or prolonged hospital stays—are usually recommended to undergo the auditory brainstem response test soon after birth. Adults experiencing unexplained hearing difficulty, tinnitus, or dizziness can also benefit from these diagnostic tools.

The purpose of a detailed hearing assessment in Pakistan is not only to detect hearing loss but also to determine its cause and severity, helping audiologists recommend the most effective treatment or hearing aid solution.

Why Early Hearing Testing Matters

Detecting hearing issues early can significantly improve communication skills, language development, and overall quality of life. The ABR and ASSR tests allow professionals to diagnose even mild forms of hearing impairment long before noticeable symptoms appear.

Parents, especially of newborns, are encouraged to have these tests done if their baby doesn’t respond to sounds or seems startled inconsistently. For adults, regular hearing check-ups can prevent long-term communication challenges and ensure better social engagement.

Choosing a Reliable Hearing Test Center in Pakistan

When selecting a clinic for hearing evaluation, always ensure:

• Certified audiologists perform the tests

• The clinic uses calibrated and advanced diagnostic tools

• Results are explained clearly and recommendations are tailored to your specific needs

Many reputed hearing centers in Pakistan now offer hearing assessment packages that include both ABR and ASSR tests at reasonable prices, ensuring accurate results and value for money.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, awareness about early hearing diagnosis continues to grow in Pakistan, and modern tools like the ABR test and ASSR test are at the forefront of this positive change. Both are safe, accurate, and essential in detecting hearing loss, particularly in infants and patients unable to communicate their symptoms.

Understanding the ABR test price in Pakistan and ASSR test price in Pakistan helps families plan their hearing assessments confidently, ensuring timely and professional care for better hearing health.