Knowledge Regarding Interpretation of Brain Stem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) Report by Speech -Language Pathologists

Abstract

According to ASHA assessment of hearing loss is part of scope of practice & service delivery area of SLP’s with Brain Stem Evoked Response Audiometry tests being an effective tool. Keeping in view dearth and disparities in the knowledge and professional abilities of SLPs, need of early identification and intervention for hearing impaired population and importance of BERA test and gap in research current study was conceived. Objective: To determine the knowledge regarding interpretation of Brain Stem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) report by Speech-Language Pathologists. Methods: This Cross-Sectional study was conducted at Riphah International University, Pakistan from January, 2022 to June, 2022. Study using convenience sampling recruited N=102 speech language pathologists of both genders, aged 25 to 50 years, working in private and public hospitals, special education schools, private clinics, Universities and Rehabilitation Centers of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A self-developed questionnaire was used for data collection and analysis performed using SPSS Version-20. Results: Knowledge of interpretation of BERA report by Speech and language Therapists/ Pathologist in current study revealed a total mean score of 40.78 ± 7.03, indicating moderate level of knowledge of interpretation of BER. Knowledge of interpretation of BERA is not associated with gender, age and experience, however it revealed significant associated with qualification of SLP. Conclusions: It was concluded from the result of present study that the majority of speech and language Pathologists have moderate level of knowledge regarding interpretation of BERA. Knowledge of interpretation of BERA is associated with qualification of SLP.