BERA can be performed without the patient’s participation. Patients need just lie down,
preferably in a relaxed state or when asleep. This examination can be performed on children
when they are awake, asleep, or under anesthesia (although rarely). During the BERA test,
electrodes will be inserted into the patient’s head and behind the ear. Upon completion of
the evaluation, the patient will hear various noises through headphones. This test analyses
variations in electrical brain activity (EEG) in response to sonic stimulation. Hearing loss is
indicated by abnormalities in the transmission of signals when sound is heard.
Auditory Brainstem Behavior (ABR / BERA) test is objective, i.e., the most valid
electrophysiological method that does not involve the baby’s participation, and is commonly
utilized for audiological diagnosis. Typically, newborns can be handled while they are
asleep. The procedure is conducted under anesthesia on infants and older children who
cannot be put to sleep naturally. ABR treatment does not harm or hurt the infant. The
hearing nerve is stimulated using small electrodes implanted on the baby’s forehead and
behind the ears and a headset linked to the ears.
The answer is recorded to determine hearing thresholds.
If healthy infants with no risk factors for hearing loss pass the screening test three times, the
ABR test is administered. In addition to the screening test, ABR evaluations should be
performed on infants who have been in the neonatal intensive care unit or who have
additional risk factors for hearing loss.