Goally Penguin Logo with Sunglasses

Goally

Get

Goally

What is Brainstem Evoked Response (BER)?

Home>>Neurodiversopedia>>B Terms

Summary

summary

Brainstem Evoked Response (BER) is a test that doctors use to check how well a child’s ears and brain work together to hear sounds. This test helps doctors discover if there might be any hearing issues in kids, especially those who can’t tell them if something sounds funny.

Frequently Asked Question

donut

Is BER suitable for newborns?

Yes, BER is commonly used for newborn hearing screening to ensure healthy auditory development from the start.

Can BER determine if a child needs hearing aids?

Yes, BER helps audiologists determine if a child may benefit from hearing aids and ensures a proper fit.

How does BER help children with special needs?

BER aids in identifying hearing issues early on, especially in children who can’t communicate hearing problems effectively.

Scientific Definition

scientist

Brainstem Evoked Response (BER), also known as Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) or Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), is a neurodiagnostic test used to assess the functioning of the auditory nerve and brainstem pathways. It involves placing electrodes on the scalp to detect and record the brain’s electrical responses to sound stimuli presented to the ears. The test helps healthcare professionals identify hearing problems, especially in infants and young children, as it provides valuable information about the auditory system’s integrity and potential issues that may affect hearing.

Real World Example of Brainstem Evoked Response (BER)

Once, a little girl named Susie loved exploring the world around her. She was always eager to listen to the birds chirping, her favorite bedtime stories, and her mom’s gentle lullabies. But Susie’s parents noticed that sometimes she seemed to have trouble hearing certain sounds.

 

To ensure Susie’s hearing was alright, her parents took her for a Brainstem Evoked Response (BER) test led by Dr. Johnson, a friendly audiologist.

 

  • Preparation: On the test day, Susie’s mom explained they were going on a special adventure to “listen to her brain’s secret code.” Susie was excited, imagining a secret agent mission!
  • The Test: Dr. Johnson gently placed some tiny stickers with wires on Susie’s head in the testing room, which she found funny and fascinating. Dr. Johnson played different sounds, and Susie’s brain responded with tiny signals picked up by the electrodes. It was like playing a game of musical notes with her brain!
  • Results Time: Dr. Johnson explained the test results to Susie’s parents after the adventure. The good news was that Susie’s hearing was fine; she had a bit of earwax, causing temporary muffled hearing sometimes. Susie grinned, relieved that her ears were okay, just like she knew they would be.

 

So, from that day on, Susie went on with her explorations, her ears tuned in to all the beautiful sounds around her, thanks to the helpful Brainstem Evoked Response adventure.

How does Brainstem Evoked Response (BER) work?

When it comes to Brainstem Evoked Response (BER), here’s how it works and some examples of it in action:

 

  • Electrodes and Sounds: Doctors place tiny stickers with wires (electrodes) on a child’s head to measure brain responses while playing different sounds.
  • Listening to Brain’s Code: The test helps doctors “listen” to the brain’s secret code and see how well the ears and brain work together to hear sounds.
  • Detecting Hearing Issues: BER is especially helpful for kids who can’t express hearing problems, as it helps identify hearing issues early on.
  • Infant Hearing Screening: It’s used for newborn hearing screening to ensure healthy auditory development.
  • Hearing Aid Fitting: BER helps determine if a child needs hearing aids and the best fit for them.

 

BER is like a special listening detective that assists doctors in understanding kids’ hearing abilities and addressing potential concerns.

 

Goally‘s tablet offers various apps to aid kids’ life and language skills, including digital visual schedules, AAC, and gamified learning. With these resources, Goally can complement the assessment process of Brainstem Evoked Response (BER) by supporting kids’ overall development and communication abilities.