BAER Hearing Test
The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test determines normal hearing and congenital deafness in the canine. ArmySoldier Dalmatians only breeds bilateral (normal) hearing dogs. In theory, only breeding bilateral dogs - especially those from litters with a high rate of normal hearing - can reduce offspring with abnormal hearing.
The BAER test will determine if a dog is bilateral, unilateral right/left, or deaf. Under normal circumstances, a unilateral dog is considered a healthy dog and can go on to lead a healthy, happy life.
BAER Examination Protocol
BAER testing is done on canines at least 35 days old.
A signal equivalent to between 70 and 105 dB nHL (normal hearing level) is used to obtain a response with peaks I and V judged present at their appropriate latencies.
Insert earphones will be used.
Chemical restraint is optional and rarely needed.
The test is done in such a manner that movement will not cause an artifact that could be mistaken for a response to a stimulus.
At least 200 clicks will be used to obtain the response.
A masking tone is not considered necessary if recordings are made with electrodes positioned along the midline and in the ipsilateral mastoid region; a masking tone is necessary if the electrodes are placed along the midline at the vertex and the T-1.
Under appropriate circumstances when an ear tests as deaf using air-conducted stimuli, and the possibility of conduction deafness exists (chronic otitis, excess ear wax accumulation), repeat testing with a bone stimulation transducer is recommended.