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Hi @Jatin
The BERA test is usually very accurate and is used to test the function of the inner ear and hearing nerve between the ear and the brain. It is a useful test for very young babies and older children who aren’t able to tell us what sounds they can hear.
But there is one exception to this. There is a disorder if the hearing known as ‘Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder’. The BERA response in this condition is absent or very abnormal even though the child might have some hearing and respond to some sounds.
The BERA test is known as an ‘objective test’. But as babies grow up they are usually able to show us they respond to sound in some way. When we test their hearing at this stage the tests are known as ‘behavioural tests’. At 1.3 years this would often be using speakers (using Visual Response Audiometry) to make sounds and looking for reactions to the sound - turning head to the sound etc.
So what you should be asking your doctor is: Have they tested for auditory neuropathy and has this been ruled out? And can you have behavioural tests done to look at his responses to sound.
These links will give you more information about the hearing tests I’ve mentioned above (BERA is more commonly known as ABR in the UK so when you read about that it is the same test):
http://www.ndcs.org.uk/family_support/childhood_deafness/hearing_tests/
And how to test for auditory neuropathy:
http://www.ndcs.org.uk/family_support/childhood_deafness/causes_of_deafness/index.html#contentblock1
I’m happy to discuss here but if you prefer you could speak to an independent audiologist about your results so far and what to ask your doctor please call the NDCS Freephone Helpline on 0808 800 8880
http://www.ndcs.org.uk/family_support/how_ndcs_can_help/support_and_advice/index.html
All the best
Vicki
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