Testing hearing with the brain-stem evoked response.
The brain-stem electroencephalograph (EEG)-evoked response (BSER) constitutes a reliable and objective method of testing hearing in infants, and in uncooperative, or retarded patients. The procedure is harmless and painless, and involves recording the EEG brain-stem responses to clicks presented by headphones. The patient may be sedated, or even anaesthetized, if necessary. Because of the equipment and time involved, the procedure is not recommended as a routine screening procedure, but constitutes a valuable adjunct to conventional audiological testing, especially in doubtful cases.
D000293:Adolescent; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006320:Hearing Tests / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male