Brainstem evoked response audiometry in normal hearing subjects.
Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) is an objective and non-invasive method of hearing assessment which detects electrical activity from the inner ear to the inferior colliculus.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the hearing pathway in normal hearing individuals and compare differences associated with gender, age and ear side (left and right).


METHODS
A retrospective study.


METHODS
Sixty normal hearing individuals, aged between 09 and 66 years old, were subjected to clinical ENT examination and audiologic tests.


RESULTS
Wave latencies differed significantly between males and females, although there were no differences regarding right or left ear sides. Comparing latency averages regarding age and gender we noticed important differences. By the same token, significant differences were also seen comparing this study with the information present in the handbook of the BERA device used and results published by Fukuda, in another study.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowing the great importance of BERA, it is crucial that each service develops its own standards in order to enhance the accuracy of the electrophysiological diagnosis of the hearing pathway.
Esteves
Maria Carolina Braga Norte
MC
Faculdade de Medicina de Marilia.
Dell' Aringa
Ana Helena Bannwart
AH
Arruda
Gustavo Viani
GV
Dell' Aringa
Alfredo Rafael
AR
Nardi
José Carlos
JC
D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D002648:Child; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006309:Hearing / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017084:Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous / Q000502:physiology*; D038781:Otoscopy; D011930:Reaction Time; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult