BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) screening is the only way to measure hearing in dogs and cats and identify deafness in one or both ears.

The test typically takes only a few minutes and is performed with gentle handling and affection to avoid the need for sedation. Many puppies and kittens happily sleep through the screening test.

Although it is recommended that screening for hereditary congenital deafness is carried out by 6 weeks of age, any age dog or cat can be tested.

During screening each ear is tested separately using very fine needle electrodes which record the ear’s response to test sounds played through a small ear insert.

Hereditary congenital deafness is recognised in many dog and cat breeds, and is more common in white-coated and merle-coat breeds such as Dalmatians, Australian Cattle

Dogs, English Setters and Border Collies (in dogs) and Persians, Scottish Folds and Ragdolls (in cats).

All puppies / dogs are recommended to be microchipped prior to testing. They can be microchipped at the time of testing by our service free-of-charge, in the comfort of your own home or you can arrange microchipping yourself prior to BAER screening.

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