What is BERA Testing?
BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry), also known as ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response), is an objective electrophysiological test that measures the electrical activity of the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound stimuli.
Unlike conventional hearing tests, BERA does not require any active participation from the patient — making it the preferred test for newborns, infants, sleeping children, and patients who cannot cooperate with standard audiometry.
The test is completely non-invasive and painless. Small electrodes are placed on the scalp and earlobes, and soft sounds are played through earphones. The test typically takes 45–90 minutes depending on the patient's age and cooperation.
Who Needs BERA Testing?
Newborn hearing screening
Infants and young children who cannot cooperate with standard tests
Suspected auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder
Retrocochlear pathology (acoustic neuroma)
Medicolegal hearing assessment
Patients with developmental delays
Pre-operative cochlear implant assessment
Monitoring ototoxic drug effects