BAER TESTING FOR DEAFNESS

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 01

    Patients are gently restrained and instrumented with very small subdermal recording electrodes and soft foam ear buds. The majority of our patents are recorded without anesthesia, some patients are sedated if they are particularly fidgety.

  • 02

    Pups are gently restrained while the recording is collected - the actual test takes less than 120 seconds in the best-case scenario.

  • 03

    Results displayed on the monitor shows normal wave forms indicating that this puppy can hear in both ears.

  • 04

    The upper tracing is from the left ear and shows a normal tracing. The lower tracing is from the right ear and shows the dog to be completely deaf in that ear.

SCHEDULE A BAER TEST

The only 100% reliable method for diagnosing deafness in animals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the hearing function of dogs and cats. It measures the electrical activity of the brainstem in response to auditory stimuli.

  • BAER testing is performed to diagnose hearing loss in dogs and cats, particularly in cases where traditional behavioral hearing tests are not possible or reliable. It can also be used to monitor the progression of hearing loss and to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

  • BAER testing is performed by placing small electrodes on the pet’s head and neck. These electrodes record the electrical activity of the brainstem in response to auditory stimuli, such as clicks or tones. Testing is done without anesthesia in the vast majority of pets. Some patients need a little sedation but even that is not common. 

  • BAER testing is a non-invasive procedure and is generally considered to be safe. However, there is a small risk of discomfort or irritation from the electrodes.

  • BAER testing typically takes around 10-15 minutes to complete.

  • The cost of BAER testing can vary depending on the veterinarian and the location. At Veterinary Neurology of the Chesapeake, the cost for individual dog testing is about $200. Litter prices are lower. Please call for more information.

  • BAER testing can provide valuable information about a dog's hearing function, which can help to diagnose hearing loss and monitor its progression. It is particularly important in screening for deafness in puppies that have a risk for congenital deafness. This information can be helpful in making decisions about breeding, treatment, and management.

  • Many dog breeds are prone to deafness.

    Australian Cattle Dogs

     Bull Terriers

    Cocker Spaniels

    Jack Russell Terriers

    Dalmations

    Dogos Argentinos

    English Setters

    Jack Russell Terriers

    Whippets

    Boston Terriers

    Cats with a white coat and blue eyes have a higher risk of being born deaf. Specific breeds include:

    Scottish Folds

     Persians

    Turkish angora

    Ragdolls

    Cornish Rex

    Maine Coone

    Oriental shorthair

    Devon Rex

    Manx

    Most conscientious and ethical breeders of these and other breeds with congenital deafness will BAER test their litters to decrease the incidence of deafness.

Having a dog with seizure episodes can be nerve wracking. The entire staff has always been caring, supportive and respectful and there to answer any questions and concerns. Their office may be a bit out of the way for us but the drive for the expert care has been well worth it!!! Thank you!!!

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Lynn McNeil