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).

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.

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 tumours
• Brain tumours
• Other nerve disorders
• Multiple sclerosis etc.

What is the procedure for Brain Evoked Response Auditory (BERA) test?

Preparation : The individual undergoing the test is made to lie down in a sound proof room. Electrode are 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.

How does one prepare for the Brain Evoked Response Auditory (BERA) 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.

After Care

The technician will guide you if any special care is required for the test procedure.

Cost of Brain Evoked Response Auditory (BERA) Test

The cost of the Brain Evoked Response Auditory (BERA) test in Delhi varies, depending on the diagnostic centres.  ranges 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.