BRAINSTEM EVOKED RESPONSE AUDIOMETRY

What is Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA)?
Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) is a test measuring responses in the brain waves that are stimulated by a clicking sound to check the central auditory pathways(hearing) of the brainstem.
What are the indications for performing a Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA)?
The indications for a BERA are as follows:
1) Nervous system abnormalities
2) Children with hearing loss
3) To assess neurological functions
4) Malingering patients
5) Suspected acoustic neuroma
6) Central pontine myelinolysis
What is the procedure for performing Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA)?
The procedure of BERA is as follows:
1) Patient is asked to wash the hair the night before the test
2) Patient is made to sleep on a reclining chair
3) Electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp, along the vertex and on each earlobe
4) Earphones are put on the ear. The patient hears a clicking sound or tone bursts through the earphones
5) The electrodes pick up the brain's response and record it on the graph.
How is Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) result interpreted?
Interpretation of Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) involves a series of five individual waves that are recorded. These waves arise from:
1. Cochlear nerve
2. Cochlear nucleus
3. Superior olivary nucleus
4. Lateral leminiscus
5. Inferior colliculus
The morphology and amplitude of the wave forms are measured. This test has minimal discomfort and there are no risks involved.
Abnormal test results are indicative of:
1) Hearing loss
2) Multiple sclerosis
3) Cerebrovascular accidents (stroke)