Hearing loss in newborns and infants is more common than most parents realise — approximately 1-3 in every 1,000 births in Pakistan. The earlier hearing loss is identified and treated, the better the child's speech, language, and cognitive development. The BERA test is the gold standard for infant hearing assessment.
What Is a BERA Test?
BERA stands for Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (also called ABR — Auditory Brainstem Response). It measures the electrical activity of the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sounds played through earphones. Unlike standard hearing tests, it does not require the child to respond — it works even when the baby is asleep.
When Should a BERA Test Be Done?
- All newborns — ideally within the first month of life (universal newborn hearing screening)
- Infants who failed the OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) screening test at birth
- Babies who did not cry at birth or had birth complications (low oxygen, jaundice, prematurity)
- Children with a family history of childhood hearing loss
- Infants who are not responding to sound by 3-4 months
- Children who are not babbling by 6 months or not saying words by 12 months
What Happens During a BERA Test?
- 1The baby is given a mild sedative or tested during natural sleep to ensure stillness
- 2Small electrode pads are placed on the baby's forehead and behind each ear (painless)
- 3Earphones are placed in the ear canal
- 4Clicks and tones are played at different volumes
- 5The machine records brainwave responses to each sound
- 6Results are available immediately and explained by the audiologist
What Does the BERA Test Show?
The BERA test shows the hearing threshold (the softest level of sound the auditory nerve responds to) for each ear separately. It can detect: normal hearing, mild to profound hearing loss, unilateral (one ear) hearing loss, and auditory neuropathy. It also provides information about the type of hearing loss (sensorineural vs conductive).
What Happens If My Baby Fails the BERA Test?
A failed BERA test does not always mean permanent hearing loss — sometimes temporary fluid in the middle ear causes a temporary failure. Your audiologist will advise on whether repeat testing, ENT referral, or immediate hearing aid fitting is appropriate. For confirmed sensorineural hearing loss, hearing aid fitting should begin as soon as possible — ideally before 6 months of age.
The most critical window for language development is 0–3 years. Hearing aids fitted before 6 months of age give children the best chance of normal speech development. Don't wait.
What Is the Difference Between OAE and BERA?
| Test | OAE | BERA / ABR |
|---|---|---|
| What it tests | Inner ear (cochlea) function | Auditory nerve & brainstem response |
| Time | 5-10 minutes | 45-90 minutes |
| Sedation needed? | No | Usually (natural sleep or mild sedative) |
| Used for | Quick newborn screening | Definitive diagnosis & threshold estimation |
| Accuracy | Screening only | Detailed threshold by frequency |
BERA Test at Ideal Hearing Care Center, Rawalpindi
We perform BERA testing for infants, children, and adults at our Rawalpindi clinic. Our audiologists have extensive experience with pediatric hearing assessment. We provide detailed reports and counsel parents on next steps clearly and compassionately. Call 051-6137199 or WhatsApp 0328-0000510 to book. Open Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
BERA Test Cost and Availability in Rawalpindi
The BERA test at Ideal Hearing Care Center, Satellite Town Rawalpindi is performed with state-of-the-art audiological equipment. Our clinic, situated directly opposite Holy Family Hospital Gate #1, is among the most experienced providers of infant and paediatric hearing assessment in Rawalpindi. We serve families from across the twin cities — Saddar, Bahria Town, Cantt, Faizabad, Islamabad — and parents travel from as far as Attock, Jhelum, and Murree for our paediatric audiology services. Please call 051-6137199 for current BERA test pricing and appointment availability.
After the BERA Test: Next Steps in Rawalpindi
If the BERA test confirms hearing loss in your infant, the next step is immediate hearing aid fitting — ideally within 1 month of diagnosis. For children diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, Phonak Sky Lumity (the world's leading paediatric hearing aid) is fitted with paediatric Real Ear Measurement targets. We provide ongoing support, quarterly follow-ups, and liaise with speech therapists in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for auditory-verbal therapy.
BERA vs OAE: Which Test Does My Baby Need?
Most maternity hospitals in Rawalpindi — including Holy Family Hospital — perform OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) screening as part of newborn care. OAE is a quick 5-minute screening. If your baby fails OAE, or if you have concerns even after a passed OAE, a full BERA test provides definitive, threshold-level diagnosis. Many private hospitals in Islamabad and some in Rawalpindi do not have BERA equipment on-site — Ideal Hearing Care Center does.
Frequently Asked Questions About BERA Test for Newborns in Rawalpindi
At what age can a BERA test be done on a baby?
A BERA test can be done from birth. For newborns and very young infants (under 6 months), the test is performed during natural sleep — no sedation is required for babies who sleep deeply. For older infants and toddlers who are light sleepers, the audiologist may advise a mild sedative prescribed by a paediatrician to ensure the baby stays still during the 45-90 minute test.
My baby passed the newborn OAE at Holy Family Hospital — should I still do BERA?
In most cases, a passed OAE screening at Holy Family Hospital is reassuring. However, a BERA test is still recommended if: your baby is not responding to sound by 3-4 months, speech development seems delayed, you have a strong family history of childhood hearing loss, or the birth involved complications such as prematurity, jaundice requiring phototherapy, or low oxygen. OAE screens the cochlea — BERA tests the entire auditory pathway including the auditory nerve.
Where can I get a BERA test for my baby near Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi?
Ideal Hearing Care Center is located directly opposite Gate #1 of Holy Family Hospital, E-Block Satellite Town, Rawalpindi. We are one of the most experienced paediatric audiology centres in Rawalpindi for BERA and OAE testing. Appointment booking: 051-6137199 or WhatsApp 0328-0000510. Same-week appointments are usually available.
What happens if my baby fails the BERA test?
A failed BERA result does not always mean permanent hearing loss. Our audiologist will explain whether the result suggests conductive loss (often temporary — caused by fluid in the middle ear) or sensorineural loss (permanent). For conductive loss, re-testing after ENT treatment is recommended. For confirmed sensorineural hearing loss, hearing aid fitting should begin immediately — ideally before 6 months of age for best speech outcomes.
Visit Ideal Hearing Care Center — Rawalpindi & Islamabad's Most Trusted Audiologist
Office #1, Ground Floor, Opposite Gate #1 Holy Family Hospital, Rajput Street, E-Block Satellite Town, Rawalpindi. We serve patients from Satellite Town, Saddar, Bahria Town, Faizabad, Saidpur Road, Raja Bazar, Cantt, and all of Islamabad. Open Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Call 051-6137199 or WhatsApp 0328-0000510.