How Do We Know If Babies Have Hearing Loss? | The Power of BERA Test Explained If an elder has hearing loss, they can simply say, “I am not able to hear,” and get checked by a doctor. But what about small children or newborn babies who cannot speak yet? How do we know if they have good hearing? This is where the powerful BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) test comes in. BERA is an objective hearing test—which means it does not rely on the child’s response or feedback. How does BERA work? We play sounds into the baby’s ear, and the inner ear (called the cochlea) converts these sounds into electrical signals. These signals travel via the hearing nerve to the brainstem. Tiny sensors placed on the baby’s head record how the brain responds to these sounds. The response shows up as five waves, similar to an ECG graph. Out of these five waves, Wave 5 is the real hero. By studying the timing and strength of Wave 5, we can assess whether the brain is receiving sound signals properly. If Wave 5 is delayed or absent, it indicates hearing loss and helps us determine its severity. Important points about the BERA test: The child must be in a deep sleep to avoid movement like blinking or head-turning, which can affect the results. We have an anesthesia team present to ensure the child’s safety during the test. Emergency equipment such as oxygen cylinders and monitors are always ready, as safety is our top priority. BERA tests require an advanced hospital setting with trained specialists and a calm, controlled environment for the best results. Early diagnosis of hearing loss changes everything. BERA is the first crucial step to know if your child might need a cochlear implant or other interventions. I am Dr. Shree, a cochlear implant surgeon. Let’s make sure every child gets a fair chance to hear and speak.
