Animal Hospital of Woodstock

11711 Catalpa Lane - Woodstock, Illinois 60098     

815-337-2900  * 815-337-7173 - Fax

  

What is the B.A.E.R. Test?

 

This hearing test is also known as the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test.   The test detects electrical activity in the cochlea and auditory pathways in the brain in much the same way that an EKG detects electrical activity of the heart.

The response is collected with a special computer through three small electrodes attached to the skin of the scalp; one on the top of the head and one in front of each ear.  It is rare for a dog to show any evidence of pain from the placement of the electrodes.   A stimulus click sound produced by the computer is directed into the ear evoking a brainstem response.  The computer assimilates this information into a visible wavelength that tells the doctor if the dog is deaf or not.   Each ear is tested individually, and the test usually takes 10 to 15 minutes per dog.

Litters are generally tested between 8 to 10 weeks of age.

We recently upgraded our equipment and use a 2004 Cadwell Sierra Wedge machine.  Owners receive a printout of the results immediately after completion of the test.

For additional information about deafness in dogs and cats click on the following link.

http://www.lsu.edu/deafness/deaf.htm

 

 

 

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