Normally, BAER testing on a 9-week old wouldn’t be newsworthy, unless it is a puppy! Dr. Robert Zarranz, an ENT physician and longtime friend, purchased a golden lab for his children. Hunter, at 9 weeks, however, did not seem to respond consistently to being called or to other environmental sounds. Dr. Zarranz became concerned and contacted us to see if we could run a BAER hearing test on Hunter. What a coincidence, that Danielle Hummel, one of AIB’s 4th year residents (resident # 21) from Lamar University, is enrolled in the University of Cincinnati’s Animal Audiology Certificate program. The University of Cincinnati is the first to offer an Animal of Audiology Certificate. The online-distance curricula includes: hearing screening and diagnostic testing, underwater noise mapping protocols for aquariums/theatres, hearing protection devices, ultra-wideband in-ear canine communication devices, and vocalization and bioacoustics research. Danielle will complete her UC Certificate Program this summer when she attends the clinical portion of her training on campus in Cincinnati. Using an Eclipse BAER system, Danielle was able to complete a hearing test to assure Dr. Zarranz and his anxiously awaiting twin daughters that Hunter’s hearing was just fine. As can be seen in the photos, ear canals must be examined to ensure open sound pathways and proper placement of foam inserts. Needle electrodes are utilized which helps produce clear and robust waveforms. According to Danielle and the UC Program, Animal Audiology is a burgeoning field, as most veterinarians receive little if no training and there is an increasing demand by the military, TSA and others using service dogs as well as pure-bred breeders and concerned owners of family pets. Drs. Richard Gans, Robert Zarranz and 4th year Danielle Hummel. Danielle performs otoscopic examination of the vertical and horizontal canals. Needle electrodes are placed and the canal is readied for the inserts. Resources: www.offa.com http://www.fetchlab.org/ http://www.akc.org/ http://www.asha.org/aud/Articles/Testing-Marine-Mammal-Hearing-Via-Evoked-Potential-Audiometry/ http://www.lsu.edu/deafness/deaf.htm