A Detailed Guide to BERA Test

What is BERA Test?

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) test, also known as BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) test, is diagnostic process that assesses the health and functionality of the auditory system from the ear to the brainstem. In order to measure the electrical responses produced by the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound stimuli, electrodes are placed on the scalp. Usually, audiologists or other healthcare professionals with training in auditory diagnostics conduct the test. The BERA test is commonly used to evaluate hearing loss in new born, young children.

What does the BERA detect?

The Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry test can identify and offer data on the following:

Hearing Loss: The BERA test is capable of determining the degree and nature of hearing loss, including conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss. It assists in locating the lesion's location along the auditory pathway.
Auditory Pathways in the Brainstem: The test assesses the health and functionality of the auditory pathways in the brainstem. It can spot any anomalies or tumours that impair the brainstem's capacity to process sound signals.
Disorders of the auditory pathway: Disorders such as auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) and central auditory processing disorders (CAPD), are detectable by BERA test.
Threshold Estimation: Using a variety of frequencies, the test can estimate a person's hearing thresholds or the softest sounds they can hear.
Also, the abnormalities in the auditory nerve, such as nerve damage, compression, or tumours affecting the nerve, can be found using BERA.

How does a BERA test work?

A general explanation of how the test functions is as follows:

Small electrodes are positioned on the scalp in a variety of locations, majorly at forehead, behind the ears, and at the nape of the neck, and they carry all the electrical activity in the brainstem and auditory nerve.
To deliver clicks or tones of varying intensity and frequency, earphones are inserted into the ears. Each ear receives the sound stimuli separately.
The electrodes pick up the electrical responses generated by the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to the sound stimuli. These responses are very small and occur within milliseconds.
To increase the signal-to-noise ratio, the electrical signals picked up by electrodes are amplified and averaged.
The timing, amplitude and waveform characteristics of the amplified and averaged responses are evaluated which reveal details about the health and efficiency of the auditory pathway, which runs from the ear to the brainstem.
The results are presented as a graph waveform, which demonstrates electrical responses at various intensities and frequencies. The results are interpreted by a healthcare professional who assesses hearing function and looks for any anomalies while taking into account variables like latency, amplitude, morphology.

The BERA test is risk-free, non-invasive, and doesn't call for the subject to actively participate. It is frequently used for new born hearing screening, evaluating young children's hearing, and diagnosing hearing disorders in people who are unable to give trustworthy behavioural responses.

BERA Test Preparation & Procedure

Preparation and procedures for a BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) test typically involve the following steps:

Preparation:

Be sure to let the doctor know about any medications Patient is taking because some of them may affect the outcome of the test. Any medication should be continued or temporarily stopped according to their instructions.
On the day of the test, make sure the scalp is clean and free of creams, lotions, or oils because these substances can affect where the electrodes are placed.
Patient may need to lie down during the test, so dress comfortably. It is also a good idea to bring anything Patient might need for comfort, like a pillow or a favourite toy for little ones.

Procedure:

Electrode Placement: Specific areas of the scalp are covered with tiny electrodes. After cleaning the areas, conductive gel or paste is used to attach adhesive electrodes. These electrodes pick up electrical activity coming from the brainstem and auditory nerve.
Sound Stimulation: Patient’s ears are covered with inserts or earphones. These emit clicks or tones with varying frequencies and intensities. One ear at a time receives the sound stimuli.
Signal Detection and Recording: The electrodes capture the electrical reactions the auditory system produces in response to sound stimuli which are amplified and recorded.
Patient Relaxation: To reduce any muscle activity that could interfere with the recordings, it is crucial that the patient remain still and relaxed throughout the test. For infants and young children in particular, Patient might be asked to lie still or even to sleep during the procedure.
Completion: Test is finished when all required responses have been collected and the necessary information has been gathered. After the electrodes are taken out, Patient can carry on with regular activities. The BERA test can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, but this is the average.

What happens during a BERA test?

A BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) test typically entails the following actions:

Setup: Depending on the particulars of the test, the patient is positioned comfortably, either sitting or lying down. To reduce interference from outside noise, the testing area is kept silent.
Electrode Location: Specific areas of the patient's scalp are covered with tiny electrodes. These electrodes pick up electrical activity produced by the brainstem and auditory nerve.
Sound Stimulation: The patient is fitted with earbuds or other audio devices. These emit clicks or tones with varying frequencies and intensities. One ear at a time receives the sounds.
Detection of Signals: The electrodes detect the electrical reactions produced by the auditory system in response to sound stimuli. These reactions take place just milliseconds after the sound are presented and are incredibly small. For further analysis, the electrical signals are amplified and recorded.
Average and analysis: To increase signal-to-noise ratio and reduce artifacts, recorded responses are averaged. The audiologist or medical expert examines the responses to assess the waveform, amplitude, and timing properties of the electrical signals.
Interpretation of Results: The healthcare professional interprets the findings and offers a thorough evaluation of the patient's auditory system based on the analysis. The findings may aid in the diagnosis of hearing loss, abnormalities of the auditory nerve, brainstem lesions, and other conditions affecting the auditory pathway.

BERA Test Price

BERA tests in Delhi can cost anywhere between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 5,000 or more, depending on the geographic location, the particular hospital or diagnostic facility, and any extra services offered as part of the package. The cost can also differ depending on whether the test is conducted independently or as part of a thorough hearing evaluation.

Best Diagnostic Centre for BERA Test in Delhi

One of the best diagnostic centres for BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) test in Delhi is Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Centre. With a reputation for providing comprehensive diagnostic services and exceptional patient care, the centre is equipped with modern technology and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring accurate and reliable test results. We have a team of experienced audiologists and healthcare professionals who specialize in auditory diagnostics and are well-versed in performing BERA tests. We maintain a patient-friendly environment and employ compassionate and knowledgeable staff who are dedicated to ensuring a positive experience throughout the testing process.