BERA TEST
The BERA (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test, also known as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test, is a diagnostic tool used to assess the hearing function and to detect potential hearing problems, particularly in infants and individuals who may have difficulty responding to conventional hearing tests. It measures the brain’s response to auditory stimuli, specifically the electrical activity generated by the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound.
The BERA test is commonly used to:
Screen for Hearing Loss:
It can help identify hearing loss, especially in newborns and young children who are unable to provide reliable behavioral responses to sound.
Diagnose Hearing Issues:
BERA can assist in diagnosing the type and severity of hearing problems, as well as determining whether the issue lies in the outer, middle, or inner ear, or along the auditory pathway in the brainstem.
Monitor Progress:
It can be used to monitor the progress of individuals with known hearing impairments or those undergoing treatment or surgery for hearing-related conditions.
The BERA test is typically conducted in a quiet room, and small electrodes are placed on the patient’s scalp. These electrodes pick up the electrical signals generated by the auditory pathway in response to sound stimuli. The patient is then exposed to a series of clicking sounds or tone pips through earphones. The equipment records the brain’s response to these sounds, and the results are analyzed by a trained audiologist or medical professional.