BAER TESTING FOR DEAFNESS IN DOGS & CATS IN HUNT VALLEY, MD
Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the hearing function of dogs and cats. It measures the electrical activity of the brainstem in response to auditory stimuli.
Use this page to learn what BAER testing is, what to expect during the test, and how to schedule an appointment for your pet.
Why BAER Testing Is Used for Dogs and Cats
BAER testing can help assess hearing function, confirm suspected deafness, evaluate hearing in one or both ears, and support hearing screening for puppies or breeds at risk for congenital deafness.
Common Reasons for BAER Testing
Suspected hearing loss or deafness
Possible congenital deafness in puppies
Determining whether hearing loss affects one or both ears
Breeder-related hearing confirmation
Auditory pathway or neurologic assessment
WHAT TO EXPECT
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Gentle Restraint and Preparation
Patients are gently restrained and instrumented with very small subdermal recording electrodes and soft foam ear buds. The majority of our patents are recorded without anesthesia, some patients are sedated if they are especially active or anxious.
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Electrodes and Earphones Are Placed
Small electrodes are placed to record responses, and earphones or audio equipment are used to deliver sound stimuli.
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Sounds Are Played
Clicks or tones are played while the testing equipment records how the auditory pathway responds.
Pups are gently restrained while the recording is collected - the actual test takes less than 120 seconds in the best-case scenario.
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Brainstem Responses Are Recorded
The equipment records waveforms that show whether sound is being detected and transmitted through the auditory pathway.
Results displayed on the monitor shows normal wave forms indicating that this puppy can hear in both ears.
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Results Are Reviewed
The team reviews the results and explains whether hearing appears present, reduced, or absent in one or both ears.
Shown above: The upper tracing is from the left ear and shows a normal tracing. The lower tracing is from the right ear and shows the dog to be completely deaf in that ear.
BAER Testing for Puppies, Breeders, and Congenital Deafness
BAER testing is often useful for puppies and breeds that may be at higher risk for congenital deafness. It can help identify whether a puppy can hear in both ears, one ear, or neither ear.
Who May Benefit
Puppies from breeds with known congenital deafness risk
Breeders who need hearing confirmation before placement or breeding decisions
Pet owners who suspect their puppy does not respond normally to sound
Dogs with possible unilateral or bilateral deafness
What Do BAER Test Results Show?
BAER testing helps determine whether a pet’s auditory pathway is responding to sound. Results can help identify normal hearing, hearing loss in one ear, or hearing loss in both ears.
Result Area: Normal response
What It May Show: Sound is being detected and transmitted through the auditory pathway.Result Area: Unilateral hearing loss
What It May Show: The pet may hear in one ear but not the other.Result Area: Bilateral hearing loss
What It May Show: The pet may have reduced or absent hearing in both ears.Result Area: Inconclusive or affected results
What It May Show: Additional evaluation may be recommended if ear disease, movement, or other factors affect the test.
Is BAER Testing Safe for Pets?
BAER testing is generally considered a low-risk diagnostic procedure. Many pets can be tested while awake with gentle restraint, while some pets may need sedation if they are young, anxious, or unable to stay still.
Safety and Comfort Considerations
The procedure is non-invasive.
Some pets may require sedation for comfort and accuracy.
The veterinary team can explain any sedation-related considerations before the test.
Results are reviewed to help guide next steps.
How Much Does BAER Testing Cost?
The cost of BAER testing may depend on the patient, appointment type, sedation needs, and whether any additional evaluation is required. The team can provide appointment guidance based on your pet’s needs.
Cost Factors
Dog or cat appointment type
Patient age and cooperation
Whether sedation is needed
Additional consultation or evaluation needs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the hearing function of dogs and cats. It measures the electrical activity of the brainstem in response to auditory stimuli (sound).
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BAER testing is performed to diagnose hearing loss in dogs and cats, confirm suspected deafness, and evaluate hearing in one or both ears. It is used particularly in cases where traditional behavioral hearing tests are not possible or reliable. It can also be used to monitor the progression of hearing loss and to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
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BAER testing is performed by placing small electrodes on the pet’s head and neck. These electrodes record the electrical activity of the brainstem in response to auditory stimuli, such as clicks or tones. Testing is done without anesthesia in the vast majority of pets. Some patients need a little sedation but even that is not common.
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BAER testing is a non-invasive procedure and is generally considered to be safe. However, there is a small risk of discomfort or irritation from the electrodes.
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BAER testing typically takes around 10-15 minutes to complete.
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The cost of BAER testing can vary depending on the veterinarian and the location. At Veterinary Neurology & Imaging of the Chesapeake, the cost for individual dog testing is about $200. Litter prices are lower. Please call for more information.
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BAER testing can provide valuable information about a dog's hearing function, which can help to diagnose hearing loss and monitor its progression. It is particularly important in screening for deafness in puppies that have a risk for congenital deafness. This information can be helpful in making decisions about breeding, treatment, and management.
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Some breeds may have a higher risk for congenital deafness. The VNIoC team can discuss whether BAER testing is appropriate for your dog or breeding program.
Dog breeds prone to deafness include:
Australian Cattle Dogs
Bull Terriers
Cocker Spaniels
Jack Russell Terriers
Dalmations
Dogos Argentinos
English Setters
Jack Russell Terriers
Whippets
Boston Terriers
Cats with a white coat and blue eyes have a higher risk of being born deaf. Specific breeds include:
Scottish Folds
Persians
Turkish angora
Ragdolls
Cornish Rex
Maine Coone
Oriental shorthair
Devon Rex
Manx
Most conscientious and ethical breeders of these and other breeds with congenital deafness will BAER test their litters to decrease the incidence of deafness.
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Some pets can be tested awake, while others may need sedation if they cannot remain still.
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Yes. BAER testing can help determine whether hearing loss affects one ear or both ears.
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The appropriate timing depends on the puppy, breed, and reason for testing. The VNIoC team can provide guidance when scheduling.
Trusted BAER Testing in Hunt Valley, MD
Veterinary Neurology & Imaging of the Chesapeake provides BAER testing for dogs and cats in Hunt Valley, Baltimore, and surrounding Maryland communities.
Veterinary Neurology Focus: BAER testing is supported by a team focused on veterinary neurology and diagnostic testing.
Local Pet Hearing Testing: Convenient service for pet owners and referring veterinarians in the Hunt Valley and Baltimore area.
Clear Appointment Path: A specific BAER testing appointment CTA helps users take the next step quickly.
Having a dog with seizure episodes can be nerve wracking. The entire staff has always been caring, supportive and respectful and there to answer any questions and concerns. Their office may be a bit out of the way for us but the drive for the expert care has been well worth it!!! Thank you!!!
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Lynn McNeil
SCHEDULE A BAER TEST
Request a BAER test appointment to help assess hearing function or suspected deafness in your dog or cat. It’s the only 100% reliable method for diagnosing deafness in animals.