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BERA

Overview Understanding Clinical Use Key Features What to Expect Advantages Connect with us FAQs

Overview

Overview

At Heritage Hospitals, we understand that hearing is one of our most vital senses, enabling us to communicate and connect with the world. However, hearing loss can have devastating effects on quality of life. As the top BERA test centre in Varanasi, we offer the latest diagnostic technology to evaluate hearing ability in patients of all ages accurately.

Our investment in advanced computerized BERA test in Varanasi ensures quick, reliable, and comfortable testing for patients. Smooth processes, short turnaround times, and experienced audiologists support accurate analysis of results.

Understanding

BERA is an objective test that does not require active participation from the patient. It measures the hearing nerve and brainwave patterns in response to sounds via electrodes placed on the scalp. The test determines whether the cochlea receives sound normally and whether the auditory nerves and brainstem pathways transmit the sound signals effectively.

It can identify problems anywhere from the inner ear to the brainstem that may be causing hearing loss. BERA test results are unaffected by variables such as age, state of consciousness, medication effects, or patient cooperation. This makes it an ideal test for diagnosing hearing disorders in infants, sedated patients, and those unable to participate in other hearing tests.

Clinical Applications of BERA

Clinical Applications of BERA

There are many important applications of BERA test:

  1. Newborn Hearing Screening and Diagnosis of Congenital Hearing Loss BERA is widely used to screen newborns for hearing deficits, which may not be apparent otherwise at birth. Early detection allows for appropriate early intervention, which is critical for speech and language development. BERA can also characterize the type and degree of hearing loss.

  2. Monitoring Auditory Function During Surgery BERA testing during certain surgeries helps identify any changes occurring intraoperatively along the auditory pathway due to surgical trauma or reduced blood flow. This allows steps to be taken to prevent permanent damage and hearing loss.

  3. Assessment of Tumors Affecting Hearing BERA can detect tumors such as acoustic neuromas, which impact the auditory nerves or brainstem. Waveform changes can reveal abnormalities even when standard hearing tests are still normal.

  4. Diagnosis of Auditory Neuropathy/Dyssynchrony Patients with auditory neuropathy have normal outer hair cell function but disrupted neural transmission in the auditory nerve. Otoacoustic emission testing detects normal function of the cochlea, but BERA shows absent or severely delayed responses from the nerve.

  5. Objective Measurement of Hearing Thresholds BERA can provide frequency-specific threshold information used to program hearing aids in infants, children, and adults who cannot participate in behavioral audiometry. It is also invaluable for difficult-to-test patients with developmental delays.

  6. Monitoring Hearing Loss and Auditory Function Over Time Sequential BERA testing is useful for tracking changes in hearing, such as with ototoxic medications, Meniere’s disease, or degenerative processes. It also aids in monitoring auditory function after treatment or surgery.

  7. Diagnosis of Vestibular Schwannoma BERA is used to diagnose vestibular schwannoma, a tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve. Asymmetry between ears on BERA testing alerts clinicians to order an MRI to confirm the tumor. Early detection is key to preserving hearing and facilitating treatment options.

Key Features

Key Features

Some key features of the BERA Test in Varanasi that make it a versatile diagnostic tool are:

  • As an objective test, BERA does not require patient feedback and is suitable for precise hearing evaluation of infants to adults.

  • Our audiologists precisely analyze BERA responses to detect mild to severe hearing loss accurately.

  • Our advanced system catches subtle waveform abnormalities indicating inner ear or neural dysfunction.

  • BERA tests hearing ability across low, mid and high-pitch ranges to aid differential diagnosis.

  • Locates auditory pathway lesions precisely from the inner ear to the brainstem to determine appropriate treatments.

  • It is a non-invasive and comfortable testing, which is ideal for children and high-risk patients.

What to Expect with Diagnostic

What to Expect with Diagnostic

The BERA test is an outpatient procedure that requires no preparation. Patients should arrive on time with clean, dry hair so the audiologist can easily place the electrodes. Here are a few tips to help patients get ready for their appointment:

  • There are no restrictions on eating, drinking, or medications prior to testing. Patients may continue medications as prescribed.

  • Sedation or anesthesia is also not required, though young children may need mild sedatives to sleep through the procedure.

  • Patients sit reclined in a comfortable chair throughout testing. Remain relaxed and limit head/neck movements to reduce muscle artifacts in the recordings.

  • Inform the audiologist of any neurological or auditory conditions, as this is helpful for analyzing results. Also, mention any known allergies to electrode pastes or tapes.

The highly trained audiologists at Heritage Hospital are experts in analyzing the BERA results to determine the patient's hearing ability and auditory nerve function. Here's how we interpret the BERA test findings:

  • We examine the latency, amplitude, and morphology of the key waveform peaks (waves I, III, and V).

  • Delayed latencies or decreased amplitudes indicate possible hearing loss or auditory nerve pathology.

  • The audiologist compares results between the two ears to check for asymmetry, which may signify a tumor or other issue.

  • Normal results rule out any significant retro-cochlear lesion or neurological involvement along the auditory pathway.

  • Abnormal responses help locate the site of the lesion as either cochlear or in the brainstem auditory pathways.

Advantages of BERA

Expert Team

Our audiology team has extensive expertise in BERA testing, having performed thousands of evaluations.

Specialized Pediatric Protocol

Our specialized pediatric protocol allows successful BERA testing on young infants and children.

High-Standard Calibrated Equipment

Our equipment is calibrated to the highest standards for precision recording and analysis.

Affordable BERA Test, Fast & Accurate

We offer BERA test at affordable prices with rapid and accurate results.

Risk-Based, Patient-Centered BERA Protocols

We develop customized, patient-friendly BERA protocols as needed based on risk factors and symptoms.

A Relaxing Environment for BERA Testing

Our comfortable, welcoming environment helps put patients at ease during BERA testing.

Clear, Compassionate BERA Result Explanations

We take time to explain BERA results and recommendations in an understandable, empathetic manner.

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FAQ’s

BERA is carried out to treat hearing loss.

Using a scalp electrode, auditory evoked potentials are captured in this process.

BERA cost in Varanasi at Heritage Hospitals is Rs. 3000. This cost includes material and pathology.

Yes, paying BERA cost in Varanasi at Heritage Hospitals after admission is essential before the procedure. Some discounts may be considered in particular situations after approval from the administration. The payment should be made in one go.

BERA Test takes 30-45 minutes.

Technicians perform a BERA test in Varanasi at Heritage Hospitals.

This treatment is typical for our Technicians, who have more than ten years of expertise with them.

No, BERA Test does not require prior written consent.

There is no consent form to ask who can sign the consent form for BERA Test.

The BERA test is painless and safe. To undergo the BERA test, the infant must be dozing off or lying completely still, comfortable, and with closed eyes.

Shampoo should be used to clean the hair thoroughly, and head oil should not be used.

After the process, shampoo should be used to wash the BERA paste out of the hair.

No, BERA Test needs no hospitalisation.

In most cases, no anaesthetic is required, but sedative medications may need to be administered in some cases—such as those involving children or combative patients.

It takes 1-2 hours for the BERA Test report to come.

There is no chance of difficulties, this exam is painless, and there is no need for additional BERA test preparation.

BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) is an objective test, not a subjective one. Hence it cannot be inaccurate.

It is done for free within a set time frame if the results are unsatisfactory and the referring doctor considers it has to be repeated.

The BERA payments will be reimbursed if the procedure is unsuccessful or not performed for various reasons.