CPT® Code 92652

Auditory evoked potentials (AEP) are physiological responses that can be measured in response to auditory stimuli, such as acoustic pulses, brief tones, or short bursts of broadband clicks. These responses are essentially voltage fluctuations that arise from brain activity following the presentation of sound stimuli. The primary purpose of AEP testing is to evaluate auditory neurological function and to assess the presence and extent of hearing loss. Specifically, the procedure coded as CPT® 92652 involves threshold estimation at multiple frequencies, which is particularly useful for conducting comprehensive follow-up electrophysiologic assessments of behavioral hearing thresholds in individuals who have previously been diagnosed with hearing loss. This testing quantifies both the type and severity of the hearing impairment. For infants under 6 months of age, AEP testing can be performed while the child is asleep, ensuring a controlled environment for accurate measurement. In contrast, for patients aged between 6 months and 7 years, the procedure may require the use of anesthesia to facilitate accurate testing. During the procedure, frequency-specific sound stimuli are delivered to one ear through earphones or headphones at a moderate intensity. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is then recorded using surface electrodes, which are typically positioned on the forehead (vertex of the scalp) and earlobes, or alternatively on the forehead, nape of the neck (inverting), and either the shoulder or cheek. If a response is not detected at the initial moderate stimulus level, the intensity is increased until a response is observed. Conversely, if a response is readily identifiable and can be replicated, the stimulus intensity is decreased to find the lowest level at which a response can still be detected. This process continues until the response threshold is established for each frequency tested. Additionally, testing may incorporate bone conduction stimulation to further evaluate the magnitude of hearing loss. Throughout the procedure, the provider assesses the presence or absence of responses and the quality of the recordings. Finally, the results are interpreted, and a comprehensive written report detailing the findings, impressions, and recommendations is generated for further clinical use.