Introduction:The main consequence of hearing loss, especially in children, is the impact caused by sensory deprivation in the development of auditory and language skills and learning. Any degree of hearing loss can result in significant damage, as it interferes with perception and understanding of speech sounds.This proposed descriptive cross sectional study tries to compare BERA parameters between normal and delayed speech/language impairment children. Study also examines possible abnormalities in BERA in children with speech and language impairment. Material and Methods: One descriptive study with cross-sectional design was conducted in neurophysiology laboratory in the Department of Physiology, Bankura Sammilani Medical College and Hospital for one year. About106 pre-school children (1 to below 6years) of either sex were selected from those referred from Paediatric and ENT Department with complaint of delayed speech who had been advised BERA test. About 105 children without having delayed speech development were chosen randomly.Results: Descriptive analysis was done of BERA parameters among all subjects. Mean and standard deviation of both male and female were calculated separately. Independent 't' test was done between the BERA parameters of normal children and children diagnosed with speech impairment. The test showed significant changes (p value <0.05) in waves I, III latency, I-III, I-V, III-V inter peak in study subject.
Conclusion:The brainstem speech evoked auditory responses can serve as an efficient tool in identifying underlying auditory processing difficulties in children with learning disability and can help in early intervention.