The BERA test, also known as BAEP or the hearing evoked potential of the brainstem, is a test that evaluates the entire auditory system, verifying hearing loss, which can occur due to damage to the cochlea, auditory nerve or brainstem.
Although it can be done in adults, the BERA test is most commonly done in children and infants, especially when there is a risk of hearing loss due to genetic conditions or when there is an altered outcome in the ear test, which is a test that is performed shortly after birth and that evaluates the hearing capacity of the newborn. Understand how the hearing test and results are performed.
- In addition.
- This test may also be prescribed in children who have a delay in language development.
- As this delay can be a sign of hearing problems.
- Learn how to determine if your baby isn’t listening well.
The BERA test is primarily indicated to evaluate the development and hearing response of children, premature babies, children with autism, or those with genetic impairments, such as Down syndrome.
In addition, the test may also be done to diagnose hearing loss in adults, look for the cause of tinnitus, detect tumors affecting the auditory nerves, or monitor hospitalized or comatose patients.
The test lasts between 30 and 40 minutes and is usually done while you sleep, as it is a very sensitive test and therefore any movement can interfere with the test result. If your child moves a lot during sleep, your doctor may recommend sedating your child during the exam to make sure there is no movement and that the outcome is not altered.
The test involves placing electrodes behind the ear and forehead, as well as a helmet that is responsible for producing sounds that will activate the brain stem and auditory nerves, generating spikes of electricity depending on the intensity of the stimulus, which are picked up by electrode and interpreted by the doctor from the sound waves recorded by the team.
The BERA test does not require special preparation and is a noninvasive procedure that does not cause pain or discomfort.