Evoked Response Audiometry (ERA) is a type of diagnostic test used to assess the hearing function in individuals, particularly in patients who are unable to provide reliable subjective responses due to their limited ability to cooperate or communicate. ERA involves the measurement of the electrical responses generated by the auditory system in response to a sound stimulus.
This diagnostic technique utilizes various types of auditory stimuli, such as clicks or tones, that are presented to the patient's ears through earphones or speakers. The patient's neural responses to these stimuli are then recorded using electrodes placed on the scalp or earlobes. These neural responses are known as evoked potentials or evoked responses.
ERA can provide valuable information about the auditory system's integrity and the brain's processing of auditory signals. It can assess different aspects of hearing, including the detection of sounds, the transmission of sound waves through the middle ear, and the processing of sound information within the brain.
ERA is a particularly useful tool in diagnosing hearing disorders in newborns, infants, and young children who cannot undergo traditional hearing tests that rely on patient response. Additionally, ERA can also be used to monitor the progression or effectiveness of treatments for certain hearing impairments.
In summary, Evoked Response Audiometry (ERA) is a diagnostic technique that uses auditory stimuli to evoke electrical responses in the auditory system, providing valuable information about hearing function and aiding in the diagnosis of hearing disorders, particularly in patients who cannot provide reliable subjective responses.
