Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs)

BRAIN STEM SIGNAL DETECTION AND INTERPRETATION

 

Using audio impulses to assess the performance of the central nervous system

What are evoked potentials?

Brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP), also referred to as brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAERs), is a pain-free test that records the function of a nerve pathway between the ear and the brain.

This is done by playing a series of clicks lasting a few minutes through a set of headphones. Your consultant will use this information to assess the performance of your auditory nerve and brainstem function.

The whole test takes between 45 minutes and an hour.

Need to know

Your consultant will explain every aspect of the test to you and will be able to answer any questions you may have. After taking details of your medical history, several small electrodes will be attached to your head using a sticky conductive paste. A set of headphones will be placed over your ears and you will hear a series of clicking noises lasting for just a few minutes. The electrodes are taken off using warm water. Any paste left in your hair can be easily washed out. There have been no reported side effects from this pain-free test.

No special preparation is needed for the test. However, do not apply any hair wax, gel, or hairspray to your hair, and avoid wearing unnecessary accessories such as bulky earrings.

The results of your brainstem auditory evoked potential test will be analysed by your consultant who will be able to explain the test results to you.

Our Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) locations

The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Christie Private Care

The Christie Private Care

Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital

The Wilmslow Hospital

52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients

Chiswick Outpatients

Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Chelsea Outpatients

Chelsea Outpatients

280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients

Elstree Waterfront Outpatients

Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients

The Wellington Hospital Outpatients

15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.