BERA

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER or BERA) is a specialized diagnostic test used to assess the auditory pathways and brainstem's response to sound. It is a non-invasive procedure that involves the measurement of electrical activity in the brainstem in response to auditory stimuli, typically in the form of clicks or tone bursts. Here is a description of BERA:

Purpose:

BERA is primarily used to evaluate the integrity of the auditory nerve and the brainstem's auditory pathways. It is a valuable tool in diagnosing hearing disorders, especially in individuals who may not be able to participate in conventional hearing tests, such as infants, young children, or individuals with developmental or cognitive impairments.

Test Setup:

The BERA test is conducted in a quiet, soundproof room or booth to minimize external noise interference.

Equipment:

Special electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp and earlobes to record electrical responses from the auditory nerve and brainstem. A computerized system is used to generate auditory stimuli and record the neural responses.

Procedure:

• During the BERA test, the patient is typically seated or lying down. The audiologist or healthcare professional attaches electrodes to the patient's skin, including on the forehead, earlobes, and sometimes near the eyes.
• The patient is presented with a series of auditory stimuli, such as clicks or tone bursts, through headphones. These sounds are designed to elicit a response from the auditory system.
• The electrodes detect the electrical responses generated by the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to the sounds. These responses are recorded and analyzed by a computer.