An objective hearing test that doesn't need the patient to respond — ideal for infants, young children, and anyone who can't complete a standard hearing test.
BERA, also called the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test, measures the electrical activity generated by the inner ear and hearing nerve in response to sound, using small electrodes placed on the scalp and earlobes.
Because it doesn't require any conscious response from the patient, it is the standard way to assess hearing in infants and toddlers, and is also used to investigate unexplained or asymmetric hearing loss in adults.
The test needs the patient to lie still or sleep throughout. Infants are usually tested during natural sleep, while toddlers may need a mild, medically supervised sedative to stay still for the full recording.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Roughly 45–90 minutes, depending on age and cooperation |
| Preparation | Keeping an infant awake longer than usual beforehand helps them settle into deeper sleep; sedation planning is discussed in advance for toddlers |
| What Happens | Scalp electrodes record the brainstem's electrical response to clicks or tones delivered through soft earphones |
| Who It's For | Infants who failed newborn screening, children too young for behavioural testing, and adults with unexplained hearing loss |
BERA is usually recommended as a follow-up test, either after a screening result needs confirming, or when standard hearing testing isn't possible.
Signs to Watch For
| Other Reasons for Referral
|
Paediatric-Friendly SchedulingAppointments are planned around your infant's natural sleep pattern wherever possible. | Objective, Reliable TestingResults don't depend on the patient's ability to respond, giving dependable data even for the youngest patients. | |
Coordinated Sedation PlanningWhere sedation is needed, it's planned in coordination with our doctors after reviewing your child's history. | Combined Testing AvailableBERA can be paired with OAE or ASSR in the same visit for a more complete hearing picture. | |
Yes. It is completely non-invasive, involving only scalp electrodes to record electrical activity. It is routinely used on newborns and young infants.
Newborns and young infants are usually tested during natural sleep without sedation. Older toddlers who can't stay still may need a mild sedative, given only under medical supervision.
A regular hearing test needs the patient to actively respond to sounds. BERA measures the ear and brainstem's automatic electrical response, so it works even for patients who can't cooperate.
The recording takes 45–90 minutes, and your audiologist can usually discuss initial findings with you the same day.
Get an objective hearing assessment for your child at Apollo Clinic, Shyamnagar.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is general and is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified audiologist or ENT specialist. Test results should always be interpreted by a professional in the context of your full clinical picture. All procedures are performed after clinical assessment and informed consent.
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