Q: Which doctor should I consult for Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA)?
A: A qualified audiologist typically performs the Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry procedure and interprets the results.
Q: What kind of sedation is given for the procedure?
A: A mild sleeping pill is given for the patient to remain calm and still during the procedure. This is important to avoid the recordings of signals generated by muscle movements. Children and infants are given mild sedation as prescribed by a pediatrician.
Q: Is BERA sensitive in picking up small acoustic neuromas?
A: BERA may not be able to pick up small acoustic neuromas, which will need an MRI instead.
Q: Can BERA check the functioning of the auditory pathway up to the auditory cortex of the brain?
A: Yes. Late response potentials, that is, the potentials recorded between 80 and 500 milliseconds are believed to rise from the auditory cortex. The procedure is done specifically to test the auditory area of the brain and is known as Cortical Evoked Response Audiometry. However, higher functions of the cortex, such as language comprehension, cannot be assessed using BERA.
