Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) is a hearing examination which is done to 1-3-year-old patients. If the results are good, it can be concluded that their hearing system is normal and does not need further treatment.

BERA Procedure

Patients will have electrodes put on their head first. The electrodes are stuck to patients’ skin and connected to a computer. They record brain wave activity in response to sounds heard through earphones. If there is an abnormality, treatment goes on to determine the hearing threshold. Hearing assistance devices may be needed to rehabilitate patients.

BERA can also be used as a screening test. When the BERA is used for screening, only one loudness level is checked. The baby passes if his brain shows that it is hearing the sound. If the baby fails the test, more specific testing will be done.