BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) testing is the only recognized method for evaluating hearing/ deafness in animals.
BAER testing detects electrical activity in the cochlea and auditory pathways in the brain in much the same way that an EKG detects electrical activity in the heart.
The response is collected with a special computer through extremely small electrodes placed under the skin of the scalp. Anesthesia/sedation is usually not necessary since it is rare that pets object to the electrode placement.
Each ear is tested individually and a printout of the results indicating the actual recorded waveform is provided for your records.
Candidates for testing must be at least 35 days old.
Deafness may be congenital/ hereditary OR acquired via infections seen with chronic otitis OR simply excess wax accumulation.
Testing takes approximately 20 minutes.
Individual patients or litters of puppies can be scheduled for testing by contacting our office via e-mail at vetderm@optonline.net or by simply calling (973) 831-2383.
