• Smaller! (7" x 5" x 1.5", weighs approximately 1 lb.)
• Faster! (Data shown collected in LESS THAN 5 minutes)
• Less Expensive! ($2,500 -- PC not included)
• Portable! (Stores up to 23 BAER data traces for "Field" use)
• Self Contained! (Includes ALL necessary circuitry for BAER)
• Low Power! (9V Battery powered)
• Conclusive! (Graphics LCD clearly shows BAER results)
• Connectable! (Includes PC Software to download, print, save)

The BAERCOM is a portable, stand-alone, 9V battery powered BAER hearing evaluation device for veterinary research and testing on Dogs, Cats, and other small and medium size animals.

The unique BAERCOM design integrates the following functional blocks into a compact, rugged enclosure:
-- Audio "click" stimulus generation circuitry
-- High resolution EEG signal conditioner
-- Amplified EEG digitizing circuitry
-- Microprocessor controller
-- Low power Graphics LCD

The microprocessor synchronizes click generation and EEG data collection to successively sample 11 milliseconds of EEG data starting with the click onset. The resulting summed BAER response waveform is rapidly compiled and displayed on the graphics LCD.

The BAERCOM can be operated as a "stand alone" BAER evaluation tool, with the resulting BAER response clearly displayed on the graphics LCD. Up to 23 BAER response plots can also be saved in memory inside the BAERCOM. These recorded BAER plots can be downloaded to a PC when convenient, providing for true, multiple subject "field" research.

Each BAERCOM comes with PC software (PC not included) which can download the BAER data from the BAERCOM, and save the data as a file on your computer. The BAER response for both ears is posted on a simple, easy to use form (see below) for printing where a hard-copy is required. BAER plots can also be copied to the "clipboard" as a graphics image for use by other applications.

The BAER traces shown on the Print Form below, were collected with the BAERCOM from a lightly sedated, 1 year old male Dalmatian with unilateral hearing loss (Left Ear). The actual collection of this BAER data for BOTH ears took LESS than 5 minutes! Note that most pups (as in the lead picture) do not require sedation!

Previous BAERCOMs have communicated with the PC over an un-isolated, RS-232 (COM) data link. However, the un-isolated nature of this link can introduce interference, and fewer PC computers are being shipped with COM (serial) ports. To address these concerns, all BAERCOM's are now being shipped with an ISOLATED, USB communications port to supply easier interfacing to your PC computer -- at no extra charge !!!

We can also add Isolated USB to your Serial BAERCOM -- $150

Our vision for the BAERCOM does NOT involve replacing the rigorous BAER testing capability of regional test centers. We have utilized techniques and lessons learned from our extensive experience working with NASA and other researchers, to design an economical and "field-friendly" BAER testing device. The BAERCOM supplies a simple "click" stimulus with an adjustable amplitude (SPL) range up to approximately 80 dB. The gain and pass-band of the EEG signal conditioner are fixed, and the actual magnitude of the resulting BAER response depends on the number of samples you allow the BAERCOM to measure from the subject. For most small animals, 2000 passes are usually sufficient to supply good BAER data. In addition, the BAERCOM includes a built-in LCD display, a very small case size (1.5" x 5" x 7"), and multiple BAER Tracing recording capability -- all with 9V battery operation!

The more expensive testers usually provide multiple "Click" frequency options, a wider "Click" amplitude range, and Bone Stimulation capability, among other things. The BAERCOM is a basic hearing evaluation device, and does not have the extensive capability of the more expensive audiological testing machines, nor are we portraying the BAERCOM as a direct replacement of these devices, and the centers that operate them.

Instead, we see the BAERCOM as a cost-effective method of "screening" -- a litter of puppies, or perhaps adult animals suspected of hearing abnormalities. Positive results are clearly evident, and negative results can easily be referred to a regional testing center for more extensive investigation. For example, a breeder who lives thousands of miles from a test center can use the BAERCOM to quickly determine which of their own animals require the more rigorous testing. Or a conscientious pet owner can use the BAERCOM to supply basic hearing information on one of their own puppies to a prospective owner. Or a Veterinarian can quickly test an animal to see if more rigorous hearing testing may be called for. In addition, the truly portable nature and built-in BAER data recording capability allows the BAERCOM to be used for animal hearing evaluation and research in locations where the use of the more expensive testers would be impractical or impossible. For true "Field Research", the BAERCOM shines!

Size -- Approx. 1.5" x 5" x 7"

Weight -- Approx. 1 lb.

Power Supply -- 9V Alkaline Battery

Power Requirement -- Approx. 20 mA

Estimated Battery Life -- Approx. 24 Hours "On" Time

Audio Speaker -- Custom Piezo-electric (There is NOT sufficient drive for Bone Conduction or inductive earphones.)

Click Amplitude -- 6 Settings between approximately 40 and 80 dB.

Click Frequency -- Fixed, < 1 mS duration.

EEG Input -- Two "active" electrodes plus a reference, connected to needle electrodes on the subject via an input lead with small "alligator clips" at the end. Stainless steel hypodermic needles work well for the electrodes, and are fairly common.

Number of EEG Channels -- 1

EEG Data Collection Interval -- 11 mS

Click / Collection Repitition Rate -- Every 25 mS

BAER Collection Process -- The BAERCOM collects 100 passes of EEG response data, then averages the data with any previous data, and then plots the composite average on the LCD, and then continues collecting the next set of 100 passes. Collection can be stopped at any time.

BAER Data Storage -- Up to 23 final BAER response data sets can be saved in "non-volatile" memory inside the BAERCOM. Saved BAER data can be reviewed by the BAERCOM or downloaded to a PC computer with the BAERCOM Software.

PC Computer Interface -- Standard, non-isolated RS-232 Serial, Transmit Only, 38.4 KBaud. (No USB at this time.)

Saved BAER Data File Format -- 2 sets of BAER data encoded as decimal ASCII, along with various headers and text information added. This file can easily be opened with most word processors.