BASICS OF BRAINSTEM AUDITORY EVOKED POTENTIAL

Brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) records the electrical activity of eighth nerve, cochlear nucleus, lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus. It is useful for the auditory pathway evaluation even during sleep also. It indicates peripheral and central hearing status of brainstem. These tests are sensitive and non-invasive.In clinical practice it is useful to detect a minimal auditory response level, type of hearing loss,  maturity of the central auditory system in newborns,  the site of auditory nerve or brainstem injury, for the monitoring of surgery of the posterior fossa, and  intensive care units patients.