Table of contents:
- What is a test brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA)?
- When brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) is needed?
- Who needs this examination?
- What needs to be prepared before undergoing the BERA test?
- How is the BERA test done?
- What needs to be considered after the test is done?
- What the test results look like brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA)?
- What are the risks that might occur due to this examination?
Test brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) is a hearing test to detect hearing loss. This test is easy and painless. You can even sleep while undergoing this examination. Furthermore, consider the explanation below.
What is a test brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA)?
BERA test (brainstem evoked response audiometry) is a test to measure brain wave activity that responds to certain clicks or tones. This examination is an effective method of measuring how the ear receives sound and sends it to the brain via the auditory nerve.
This test can also be called auditory brainstem response (ABR) or brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER). Unlike the usual hearing test, the BERA test does not involve a voluntary response from the patient.
When brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) is needed?
The BERA test can help determine the ability of a child's ear to transmit sound to the brain, given that children cannot show whether they are hearing correctly. Through this examination, you can plan the best treatment for your child.
Quoted from the US National Library of Medicine, the BERA test is needed to:
- Help diagnose nervous system problems and hearing loss (especially in newborns and children)
- Find out how well the nervous system is working
- Check the hearing ability of people who do not pass other hearing tests
Apart from those mentioned above, the BERA test may also be required during ear surgery to reduce the risk of injury to the auditory nerve and brain.
The BERA test is usually recommended as a newborn hearing screening test. A hearing screening test is a test in which you pass or fail. If your baby fails this test, other specific tests may be needed.
Who needs this examination?
Hearing loss in children is difficult to detect from the start. Hearing loss can cause speech, language, cognitive, social, and emotional problems. Therefore, hearing tests should be done early.
BERA test is needed to detect hearing problems in:
- Newborn baby
- Toddler
- Patients who have difficulty undergoing other hearing tests
What needs to be prepared before undergoing the BERA test?
Source: Mom Junction
You may be asked to wash your hair the night before doing the BERA test. Meanwhile, children who will undergo this test may need medicines to keep them calm during the examination.
Quoted from the Children's Minnesota website, doctors may provide instructions in the form of recommendations and dietary restrictions for your child's safety during the procedure. You are advised to bring items that can make children comfortable, such as their favorite toys or blankets.
If the child has a fever, coughs, or is not feeling well, the doctor may suggest delaying the BERA test. The doctor may reschedule the examination at a later time.
How is the BERA test done?
Following are the steps taken in carrying out the BERA test:
- The patient lies on a chair or bed and remains calm
- Electrodes are in the form of small stickers attached to the scalp of you or your child, and on each earlobe
- A click or a short tone will be sent through earphones that you or your child wears during the exam
- These electrodes will pick up on the brain's response to these sounds and record them
It is important to ensure that your child remains still and calm while undergoing this procedure for the best results. However, most children find it difficult to stay calm when they are not sleeping. For this reason, children are usually given sedatives.
The type of sedative given to children depends on their age and body weight. The doctor will give you a medicine that can calm your child, according to their condition. After your child sleeps, tests can begin.
What needs to be considered after the test is done?
The audiologist will provide the results to your doctor for analysis. Meanwhile, your child who falls asleep due to anesthetic will be monitored by a health worker until he regains consciousness. After that, you or your child can go straight home and do activities as usual.
What the test results look like brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA)?
BERA test results are indicated by brain responses that are read and recorded via a computer. Normal results of this examination vary, depending on the patient and the tools used to perform the test.
Abnormal results of this examination may show signs of the following conditions:
- Hearing loss
- Multiple sclerosis
- Acoustic neuroma
- Stroke
- Brain damage
- Brain tumor
- Speech disorders
If the test shows abnormal results, the doctor may ask you or your child to do further tests to find the cause. After that, the doctor will draw up a treatment plan that is right for you or your child's condition.
What are the risks that might occur due to this examination?
Test brainstem evoked response audiometry including easy and safe checks. There are no risks that can be generated as a result of this examination procedure.
