What is the optimal stimulation rate for BAER?

The optimal stimulation rate for Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses (BAER), also known as Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR), is generally around 20 Hz. This stimulation frequency balances the need for a sufficiently high rate to elicit clear responses from various auditory pathways while allowing for accurate detection of the waveforms generated by neural response.

At this frequency, the stimulus is rapid enough to capture the timing of the auditory signals effectively but not so fast that overlapping responses from successive stimuli diminish the clarity of the response waves. A rate of 20 Hz typically provides a good compromise which enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, leading to better interpretation of the auditory response.

While other frequencies like 10 Hz or 15 Hz could still yield results, they may not engage the auditory pathways and neural responses as effectively as the 20 Hz stimulation rate does, which can impact waveform identification and overall monitoring efficacy during intraoperative procedures.