For patients and nursing care staff

SensoDetect® BERA (SensoDetect-Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) is a hearing test that provides information on how certain parts of the brain react to click sounds developed specifically for this examination. When a sound reaches the ear, it is instantly propagated along the auditory pathway as an electric signal to the parts of the brain that process sounds and make us aware of having perceived them. SensoDetect® BERA measures the electric activity using electrodes (small adhesive patches attached to a wire) attached to the subject’s forehead and behind the ears. The result is presented as graphic curves.

The device and the electrodes are designed to only record the electric activity resulting from the subject hearing the emitted sounds. Individuals in certain psychiatric or neuropsychiatric diagnostic groups show activity that separates them from other groups when hearing the click sounds of the SensoDetect BERA test. After completion of the test, the results are therefore compared to those of individuals belonging to different diagnostic groups before the results are sent back to the referring physician or psychologist. The professional will then inform the patient about the result and how it will be used. The results of the SensoDetect BERA test and the personal data are used in a coded form, and SensoDetect obviously complies with the Personal Data Act.

Why use SensoDetect® BERA?

SensoDetect® BERA examinations may be done for several reasons. Most frequently, the referring physician or psychologist wants a more accurate diagnosis of the patient. SensoDetect® BERA is a valuable complement since the results are more reliable than those of many other diagnostic methods. The test can be done in a relatively short time and is usually not perceived as upsetting by the patient.

Another important reason for choosing SensoDetect® BERA is that it does not require active participation from the patient, unlike most other examination methods used by physicians and psychologists. In other words, SensoDetect® BERA provides objective information.

The SensoDetect® BERA test may provide vital information both for individuals already given a diagnosis as well as for individuals being subject to diagnostic investigation for the first time. The referring physician or psychologist will, based on the test results, be more assured of the reliability of the diagnosis, and can use this information to make an informed decision about what treatment will benefit the patient.

The test procedure

The subject will be seated comfortably in a recliner chair in a quiet darkened room. The examinator will clean the subject’s forehead and the areas behind the ears and then apply the electrodes. In earphones, click sounds mixed with noise are played during 30 minutes. When the measurements are completed, the electrodes are easily removed. Throughout the procedure, staff from SensoDetect is present in the room and, if required, health care staff.

The SensoDetect® BERA test requires no active participation on part of the subject, aside from sitting still and trying to relax. It is actually an advantage if the subject falls asleep.

Medical director responsible for SensoDetect® BERA is Sören Nielzén, Associate Professor and Senior Physician.

For more information on SensoDetect BERA or SensoDetect, please contact us at info(snabel-a)sensodetect(punkt)com