Measuring the Auditory Brainstem Response in Mice

Place an anesthetized mouse inside a soundproof box to record precise hearing thresholds.

Insert a needle electrode under the skin at the center of the head and another electrode just behind the ear.

Place a ground electrode near the tail.

Position a speaker in front of the mouse’s ear with the electrode. 

Set the desired parameters, such as frequency and intensity, and then apply acoustic stimuli.

The inner ear receives the acoustic stimuli and converts them into electrical signals that travel via the auditory nerve to the brainstem.

Electrodes detect the auditory brainstem response, or ABR, which is recorded as a waveform. 

Measure ABR under a series of desired stimulus intensities. 

Record the ABR threshold, which is the minimum stimulus intensity required to generate a brain response characterized by the appearance of wave V.