The BERA (Brain Evoked Response Audiometry) test is a diagnostic test that is used to evaluate the hearing ability of an individual by measuring the brainstem’s electrical response to sound stimuli. This test is also...
The BERA (Brain Evoked Response Audiometry) test is a diagnostic test that is used to evaluate the hearing ability of an individual by measuring the brainstem’s electrical response to sound stimuli. This test is also known as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) or Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP).
It is basically an objective test, determining how the electrical waves sent from the 8th cranial nerve – brainstem, responds to the clicking noises delivered from outside the ear
Note: It is important to understand that, in recent years, how the auditory brainstem evoked response (BSER) became an established mechanism in evaluating hearing in an unco-operative subject.
The BERA test is typically conducted on infants, young children, and individuals who cannot respond reliably to conventional hearing tests. It is also useful in diagnosing hearing loss, auditory nerve disorders, and other neurological conditions that affect hearing.
What are the BERA Test's Indications?
- To locate the source of the hearing loss. From the cranial nerve to the brainstem, the test detects abnormalities.
- As an auditory diagnostic test in hyperactive, mentally ill, or other youngsters who might not respond to traditional audiometry.
- Hearing loss that is more noticeable in one ear than the another is known as asymmetric hearing loss.
- As the hearing test for new-born at high risk of hearing loss, such as those with a family background of congenital hearing loss.
- Hyperbilirubinemia (excess bilirubin)
- Head deformities or abnormalities
- Head injuries
- Head deformities or abnormalities
- Hyperbilirubinemia (excess bilirubin)
- Nervous system anomalies and acoustic neuroma, a mammary tumour of the eighth cranial nerve, are suspected.
Why is Brain Evoked Response Auditory (BERA) Test done?
This test is performed for various different reasons such as:
- Determining the abnormalities
- Diagnosis of hearing threshold
- Diagnosis of hearing loss
It is usually recommended for children with problems such as:
- Hearing nerve tumors
- Brain tumors
- Multiple sclerosis etc.
Guidelines to follow before, during and after the test
Here are some guidelines an individual can refer to once they have decided to undergo a BERA Test.
The required documents needed for this test includes your valid government ID and an appropriate Doctor’s prescription.
Before the test
For the BERA Test preparation, mentioned below are the instructions:
- Don’t use any kind of hair oil, hair cream the night before the procedure
- Wash the hair properly with shampoo, the night before the procedure
- Minimum fasting of 2 hours is required.
- For infants, a mild sedative may be administered to sleep during the procedure.
- Fitness letter from the pediatrician is required for determining the dosage of the sedation.
- Otherwise, there are no specific directions before the test is done.
During the Test
- Preparation: The individual undergoing the test is made to lie down in a sound proof room. Electrode is placed on the scalp and earlobes to measure the electrical activity of the brain and ear.
- Stimuli Presentation: The audiologist presents a series of clicking sounds or tone bursts to the individual through headphones.
- Brainstem response measurement: The electrodes on the scalp record the electrical activity of the brainstem in response to the sounds. The recorded response is then analyzed by a computer, which produces a waveform and measures the latency of each peak.
- Interpretation: The audiologist interprets the waveform and the latency of each peak to determine the individual's hearing threshold and diagnose any hearing-related disorders.
After the test
The technician will guide you if any special care is required post the test procedure.
Normal Range of BERA Test
It measures the hearing sensitivity in the desired range of say 1000–4000 Hz. In a healthy person, the seven waves will be produced in the first 10 ms itself.
Result Interpretation
The audiologist, and/or hearing specialist, will look for certain types of neurological “markers” as the child’s hearing nerves are responsive to the sounds.
It is seen that the softest or loudness level at which the markers would appear roughly will correspond to the child’s level of hearing in the level of frequency range or the pitch. By reading or interpreting the computer printout of the child’s responses and by interpreting these specific markers, the audiologist can further inform if the child or his/her parents if there is a hearing problem.
Note: The brainstem generally produces the audio-evoked potential signals. They are recorded in the form of waves with peaks and troughs from the test.
The Different Waves in BERA test and their significance
It has been seen that there are: Wave I, and Wave II, until wave VII. These positive potentials are then recorded from sensor at vertex and labeled as the wave I, Wave II etc.
Cost of Brain Evoked Response Auditory (BERA) Test in Delhi
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate Test/Digital Reports.
The cost of the Brain Evoked Response Auditory (BERA) test in Delhi varies, depending on the diagnostic centers. The Range is from INR 2500 to INR 4000.
Irrespective of cost, get the BERA test of your child done at the certified diagnostic centre where tests are performed without quality compromise with 100% accuracy.
BERA Test: Rs. 3000 Rs. 2400
FAQs Comprehensive Guide on Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry- BERA
What is the BERA in high risk neonates?
It is the brain stem or electric response audiometry (BERA). It is evaluated for the early detection of hearing loss and usually has high-risk in the newborns, that are selected from the general hospital population. They generally receive the screening of BERA in the nursery itself.
What are Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)?
An Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) Screening is normally used in the hospital based newborn and also in the hearing screening programs.
The procedure is carried out with portable screening unit.
A small probe is usually placed in child’s ear canal. This probe would deliver low-volume sound stimulus in the ear. The cochlea then responds by producing the otoacoustic emission, this sometimes is called an “echo,” this further travels back through the middle ear to the ear canal. This is the detected and is analyzed by the corresponding screening unit. In approximately 30 seconds or so.
The result that is then displayed on the screening unit is either a “pass” or a “refer.”
What is the BERA test for 3 year olds?
Brain Evoked Response Auditory (BERA) is known to be the hearing examination performed on the children that are aged 1 to 3 years. Meanwhile, for children with lesser age, the Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) examination can also be done.
Can BERA test be wrong?
Yes, at times there are False-positives or false-negative results.
The BERA tests are usually highly accurate, but there is also a slight risk of the false-positive or the false-negative results especially if there is an interference or say some background noise during the test procedure.
How long does BERA test last?
Usually this test would require one hour to say one and a half hours to perform, however, if an anesthesia needs to be given, it could even exceed up to four hours later.
Can you tell me all the waves of BERA test interpretation?
- Wave I: Acoustic nerve
- Wave II: Cochlear nucleus
- Wave III: Superior olivary complex
- Wave IV: Nucleus of the lateral leminiscus
- Wave V: Inferior colliculus
- Wave VI: Is from medial geniculate body
- Wave VII: Originate between medial geniculate body to auditory complex.
What is the wave V in Bera?
Scientifically: The Wave V Generation of the wave V generally reflects the activity of multiple anatomic auditory structures. Positive peak of this wave V also arises usually from lateral lemniscuses; this is a slow negative wave and represents the dendritic potential in the inferior colliculus.
Is BERA test safe for kids?
Yes, the BERA test is considered extremely safe and usually does not hurt at all. The BERA test can also be completed, only in case the child is either sleeping or would be lying perfectly still, or relaxed and eyes closed.
If the child is younger than an estimated 6 months of age, ABR test would usually be done while he/she is asleep.
Is The BERA test accurate?
The Brain Stem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) is considered to be an objective test that gives us an approximate average of the hearing threshold level of the subject.
It is said to be very reliable but also time consuming in nature. This test will objectively evaluate any hearing threshold of the adult or the child across different frequencies except for low frequencies.
What is Jarque Bera Test? Is related to BERA Clinical Test?
In statistics, the Jarque–Bera test is also called the goodness-of-fit test and it tells you whether sample data would have the skewness and kurtosis matching the normal distribution curve. This test statistic is considered to be nonnegative.
Note: It is a different terminology used in statistics and is NOT related to BERA Test carried out for Children (Brain stem or electric response audiometry)
What is the age list for BERA Test?
The test would usually take place in the Audiology department in a sound-treated room.
Note: ABR test would be performed under the anesthesia for children from the age of 6 months to 7 years ahead, which means that the child will require this medicine to aid in rest throughout the following procedure.
IS BERA test painful?
- The BERA exam is painless and safe.
- Once the child is asleep or lying motionless, comfortable, and with their eyes shut, can the BERA test be conducted.
- If your baby is under the age of six months, the ABR test can usually be done when he or she is sleeping.
- If your kid is older than 7, the BERA test can usually be performed while he or she is awake as long as he or she can rest and lay still. The test will take place in an Audiology department sound-treated room.
Where do get the BERA Test done?
Visit the Nearest Ganesh diagnostic and Imaging Centre
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
Test report is available digitally too.
Note from Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center
- Early checkups are always better than delayed ones. Safety, precaution & care are depicted in the several health checkups at our center.
- Here, at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imagining Center, we present simple & comprehensive health packages for any kind of testing to ensure the early prescribed treatment to safeguard your health.
- So, visit us at the earliest to ensure good health and to maintain an active immune system.
