BAER tests are used to diagnose hearing problems in animals.  The BAER test is used primarily to diagnose dogs and cats with congenital or acquired deafness.  It also can be used to help determine whether animals with balance problems have peripheral (inner ear) or central (brainstem) disease. 

Several small electrodes are placed under the skin on the head and earphones are placed into the ears.  The ear phones play an audible clicking sound while the electrodes measure electrical activity in the skin (similar to an EKG) which originates from various locations in the auditory system. 

The test usually takes less than 5-10 minutes to perform and is done under light sedation to minimize patient movement which can interfere with measurements.