Evoked Potentials (EPs) Test for the Senses 

Evoked Potentials are designed to test the three most important senses: sight, hearing and touch.  The brain's response to the external stimulus received by the eyes, ears and skin are electric are recorded by placing electrodes on the patient’s head, neck and the skin.


  • Brain Stem Evoked Potentials (BAEP/BERA) test checks the ear nerve and hearing threshold.  

  • Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP) test checks the eye nerve to see how fast it is taking the message to the brain.  

  • Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP) test checks the nerves in the arms and legs. 

  • Please wash and clean your hair before coming for the test. Do not use hair oil, hair cream or hair spray.
  • Children must be in a sleep state for this test to be performed. For children over 3 years, it is important to bring them for the test at a time when the child can take a nap and go to sleep during the recording.  You may bring their favourite music or video if that you think that will help.
  • For babies and infants, please remember to bring feeding bottles (filled), soothers and other items necessary that will help keep your child calm. ​​

BAEP/BERA:  There are no side effects and the patient should feel no pain. The patient will hear some clicking sounds on the ear phones that they will be expected to wear. 

Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP):  The patient will sit and watch a screen. For children a flashing light will be used.  There are no side effects and the patient should feel no pain.

Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP): The test involves placing small electrodes on the patient’s head and arms or legs.  Small electric pulses are applied to the nerve at the wrist and/or the ankle.  The electric pulses cause a brief, mild tingling feeling. There are no side effects from the test and the patient should feel no pain.​