What is BAER hearing testing?

BAER testing is the standard method to test for deafness of one or both ears in dogs and cats. BAER stands for brainstem auditory evoked response. ​

What does the BAER screening test involve?

The screen test usually takes a few minutes in puppies and kittens under 12 weeks of age.
Procedure & test results
The puppy or kitten is usually gently held by the owner on a flat, non-slippery surface (usually a consultation room table). The BAER machine measures brain recordings from the animal whilst sound is played into each separate ear in turn via a small earpiece which the vet holds in place. To allow the machine to measure the brain response from the puppy three attachments are made via needles through the skin in three specific sites on the puppy's head and these needles are connected via a wire back to the machine. The vet is looking for a specific wave pattern from the brain in response to sound being played into a single ear. The characteristic pattern shows that all connections, from the ear picking up the sound to the brain detecting the sound from the ear, are working. An absence of this characteristic pattern can indicate that the puppy (or kitten) is defeat in that ear. David, the vet, will interpret the readings from each ear and diagnose if there is any deafness in each ear.
The screening test is a binary test for each ear with either yes there is hearing or no this ear is deaf. Tested animals can thus have one of the following results: hearing in both ears/ deaf in one ear/ deaf in both ears.
We can provide a certificate of the results if the animal is microchipped, signed by the veterinary surgeon, as required. Litter certificates are also provided.
It is important that the animal stays relatively still during the procedure, to avoid interference being picked up on the machine, masking the result. For puppies and kittens under 12 weeks of age usually no sedation is needed for the test and they will usually settled down quietly with the owner or a nurse holding them. Young dogs over 12 weeks are often too excited and bouncy to be tested without some sedation, which is reversed straight after completion of the procedure. Some adult dogs which are calm and relatively relaxed and most adult cats can be tested without sedation.
It is usually requested that animals over 12 weeks of age are not fed for 4 to 8 hours prior to testing to allow for sedation if necessary. 

What does a full BAER test involve?

Testing of animals suspected of going deaf during their life due to disease is usually much more complex. The pet is connected to the BAER machine in the same way via three needles through the skin that connect via a wire to the machine. Then an earpiece is placed in each ear in turn and difference frequencies of sound and levels of sound are played into the ear and the brain's response to each is measured. Thus more data gathering and analysis is needed to reach a diagnosis in this situation and the procedure can take much longer than the screening test. The animal needs to be connected to the machine typically for more than 20 minutes. Because of this the animal is likely to need to be sedated or they may be anaesthetised if the procedure is done at the same time as other diagnostic procedures or ear treatment. The BAER test works under sedation or full general anaesthetic.
David, the vet, will also write a detailed referral report to be sent to you and your veterinary surgeon explaining the results of all procedures. 
These animals will be starved for 4 - 8 hours prior to the test to avoid vomiting if sedation is necessary. These animals usually require sedation unless they are very compliant. For further information on a referral follow the link below.

Payment and insurance

Payments are made directly to the host veterinary practice (where you meet David). Payment is due at the time of your appointment.
The host practice is also responsible for processing any insurance claim and this will include their policies for when they accept a direct insurance claim and any fees for submitting an insurance claim. Their reception staff will be happy to explain these details at the time of consultation.
N.B. DIRECT INSURANCE CLAIMS
A direct insurance claim is when your insurers pay your bill directly to the practice rather than you paying up-front and being repaid by your insurer.  If you wish to request a direct insurance claim, you must request this with the host practice in advance of your appointment date. A direct claim is at the discretion of the host practice and will incur an administration fee.

Costs

For cost details see Baer Screen and Full Test page