Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA), also known as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing, is a non-invasive, objective diagnostic tool used to assess the auditory nerve pathways and brainstem function related to hearing. It measures the electrical activity generated in response to sound stimuli, enabling clinicians to evaluate hearing thresholds and detect neurological abnormalities.
BERA is especially valuable for diagnosing hearing loss in newborns and infants, individuals unable to perform behavioral hearing tests, and patients with suspected neurological disorders affecting the auditory pathway. This test helps detect sensorineural hearing loss, auditory nerve tumors, brainstem lesions, and can guide treatment and management decisions.
This article will explore the causes and risk factors that necessitate BERA testing, the symptoms and signs that indicate its use, how BERA is performed and interpreted, treatment options based on results, prevention strategies, possible complications, and how patients live with conditions diagnosed by BERA.
Newborn Hearing Screening: Early identification of congenital hearing loss in infants.
Unexplained Hearing Loss: Especially sensorineural types when behavioral tests are inconclusive.
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorders: Where nerve conduction is abnormal despite normal cochlear function.
Neurological Conditions: Such as multiple sclerosis, acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas), brainstem lesions.
Monitoring During Surgery: To ensure auditory pathway integrity in procedures near the brainstem.
Assessment of Coma or Brain Death: BERA can evaluate brainstem function in critically ill patients.
Family history of congenital deafness.
Premature birth or neonatal intensive care stay.
Exposure to ototoxic medications or infections during pregnancy.
History of meningitis or head trauma.
Persistent middle ear infections with suspected sensorineural involvement.
Unexplained speech delay or developmental concerns in children.
Delayed Speech and Language Development: Especially in infants and toddlers.
Difficulty Hearing or Responding to Sounds: Complaints or observations of hearing difficulties.
Unilateral or Bilateral Hearing Loss: Detected by screening or clinical evaluation.
Tinnitus or Ear Fullness: Persistent symptoms with unclear cause.
Balance Disorders or Dizziness: Suggesting vestibulocochlear nerve involvement.
Neurological Signs: Such as facial numbness or weakness suggesting cranial nerve pathology.
BERA is a painless, outpatient test requiring the placement of surface electrodes on the scalp and earlobes.
The patient, often a sleeping infant or relaxed adult, hears a series of clicks or tone bursts through headphones.
Electrical responses generated by the auditory nerve and brainstem are recorded and displayed as waveforms.
Analysis focuses on wave latencies, amplitudes, and interpeak intervals.
Delays or absence of specific waves can indicate nerve dysfunction, hearing loss severity, or brainstem lesions.
Threshold estimation helps determine the degree of hearing impairment.
Comparison between ears identifies asymmetries or unilateral pathology.
Objective measurement not requiring patient cooperation.
Can detect retrocochlear pathology.
Useful in newborn screening programs worldwide.
Hearing Loss Management: Hearing aids, cochlear implants, or assistive devices based on severity and type of loss.
Medical or Surgical Treatment: For identified tumors or neurological causes.
Early Intervention Services: Speech therapy, audiological rehabilitation in children.
Monitoring: Serial BERA tests to track disease progression or response to treatment.
Prenatal care to avoid infections and ototoxic exposures.
Neonatal hearing screening to identify early hearing impairment.
Avoidance of excessive noise exposure.
Timely treatment of ear infections and meningitis.
Multidisciplinary approach involving audiologists, ENT specialists, neurologists, and speech therapists.
Patient and family education about hearing loss and communication strategies.
Regular audiological follow-ups.
BERA is generally very safe with no direct risks; it is non-invasive and painless.
Minor discomfort from electrode placement.
In rare cases, sedation used in infants or anxious patients can carry risks.
False positives/negatives require confirmation with additional tests.
Early detection and intervention can significantly improve quality of life, especially in children.
Use of hearing aids or cochlear implants enables better communication and social integration.
Support groups and counseling aid adjustment.
Lifelong audiological care may be necessary depending on the underlying condition.
BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) is a non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity in the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound stimuli. It is used to assess hearing function and neurological pathways.
BERA is used to diagnose hearing loss, especially in newborns and patients who cannot communicate effectively. It also helps detect neurological disorders affecting the auditory pathway, such as acoustic neuromas or brainstem lesions.
Small electrodes are placed on the scalp and earlobes to record electrical signals while clicking sounds or tone bursts are played through earphones. The test is painless and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Infants at risk for hearing loss, adults with unexplained hearing difficulties, patients with neurological symptoms, and individuals unable to perform traditional hearing tests are candidates for BERA.
No special preparation is needed. Infants may be tested while asleep, and adults should remain relaxed and still during the procedure for accurate results.
Yes, BERA is safe, non-invasive, and does not expose patients to radiation or pain.
BERA results show how well the auditory nerve and brainstem respond to sound. Abnormal results can indicate hearing loss or neurological disorders affecting the auditory pathway.
Yes, BERA is a reliable method for early detection of hearing impairments in newborns, enabling early intervention and management.
Unlike behavioral tests, BERA does not require patient responses, making it ideal for infants and individuals unable to communicate or cooperate.
The cost varies by location and facility but typically ranges between $100 and $500. Insurance may cover the test if medically necessary.
SurgeryPlanet is an Healthcare Facilitator and not a Medical service provider. The information provided in this website is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition or use for any medical purposes. We provide information solely for medical travel facilitation and do not endorse any particular health care provider, hospital, facility, destination or any healthcare service or treatment listed. We are not an agent for, or affiliated to any health care provider, or service listed in our website and is not responsible for health care services provided by them. Choice of hospital or doctor for your healthcare services is your independent decision. Consult your domestic licensed health care provider before seeking the services of any health care provider you learn about from our website.
