BAER Testing Protocol

The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test is the only accepted method of diagnosis. Bone stimulation transducer may be used in addition when conduction deafness is suspected.

OFA recommends this test be performed by board certified veterinary neurologists, but will accept test results from experienced veterinarians/audiologists. One test suffices for the lifetime of the animal.

Bilateral hearing passes the test. Unilateral or bilateral deafness fails.

Examination protocol

• BAER testing is done on canines at least 35 days old.

• A signal equivalent to between 70 and 105 dB nHL (normal hearing level) is used to obtain a response with peaks I and V judged present at their appropriate latencies.

• Insert earphones will be used.

• Chemical restraint is optional.

• The test is done in such a manner that movement will not cause an artifact that could be mistaken for a response to a stimulus.

• At least 200 clicks will be used to obtain the response.

• A masking tone is not considered necessary if recordings are made with electrodes positioned along the midline and in the ipsilateral mastoid region; a masking tone is necessary if the electrodes are placed along the midline at the vertex and the T-1.

• Under appropriate circumstances when an ear tests as deaf using air-conducted stimuli, and the possibility of conduction deafness exists (chronic otitis, excess ear wax accumulation), repeat testing with a bone stimulation transducer is recommended.

• A printed copy of the BAER Test tracing will be provided to the owner and the OFA.

• The Printed copy of the BAER tracing must contain the dog’s name or identification linking it to this application.

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