Bera in full stands for Brain Evoked Response Auditory.
Understanding BERA
The Brain Evoked Response Auditory (BERA) test is a crucial hearing assessment, particularly for young children. Here's a breakdown of what it entails:
What it is:
- BERA is an objective hearing test, meaning it doesn't rely on the patient's response.
- It measures the brain's electrical activity in response to sound.
- This test is particularly useful for infants and young children who cannot cooperate with traditional hearing tests.
How it works:
- Electrodes are placed on the child's scalp.
- Sounds are delivered through earphones.
- The electrodes measure the brain's response to these sounds.
- The results are analyzed to determine hearing thresholds.
Why it's important:
- Early identification of hearing loss is critical for language and developmental milestones.
- BERA is a valuable tool for detecting hearing impairments in babies and young children.
- It is performed on children aged 1 to 3 years.
- For children younger than one year, Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) examination is often used.
Key Features of BERA:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Age group | Primarily used for children aged 1-3 years. |
| Method | Measures brain's electrical response to sounds. |
| Objective | Does not require patient participation. |
| Purpose | To diagnose hearing loss in infants and young children. |
| Alternative | For younger children, Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) examination can be used. |
Practical Insights:
- The BERA test is often performed when a child fails a newborn hearing screening.
- It's a safe and non-invasive procedure.
- It can help diagnose various types of hearing loss.
