Newborn Hearing Screening - Boys Town National Research Hospital

Summary

All hospitals in the U.S. screen newborns for hearing loss before discharge using two primary methods: otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR). OAE uses a small ear probe to play a sound and measures the echo, while ABR involves electrodes placed on the baby’s head to measure brain responses to sound. Both tests are painless and quick, taking less than a minute per ear. If a baby doesn't pass, further testing is recommended, especially if risk factors for hearing loss are present.

Takeaways

• 🏥 All hospitals in the United States screen newborns for hearing loss before discharge.
• ⏱️ The screening tests are quick and performed while the baby is still in the nursery.
• 🎧 Two main methods are used: Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR).
• 👂 OAE involves placing a small ear probe in the baby’s ear canal to play a sound and detect an echo from the ear.
• 😴 OAE testing can be done on a sleeping infant and takes less than a minute for each ear.
• 🔎 It’s essential to test both ears to ensure accurate hearing assessment.
• ⚠️ If certain risk factors for later hearing loss are present, further testing might be recommended even if the baby passes the screening.
• 💡 ABR uses small electrodes placed on the forehead and behind the ears to measure brainstem responses to sound.
• ✔️ Both OAE and ABR tests are painless, safe, and reliable screening methods.
• 📊 If a newborn doesn't pass the screening, further detailed testing is required.

Q & A

What is the purpose of newborn hearing screening in U.S. hospitals?

The purpose of newborn hearing screening in U.S. hospitals is to detect hearing loss early so that intervention can be provided as soon as possible, usually before the baby is discharged from the hospital.

What are the two methods used to test newborn hearing?

The two methods used to test newborn hearing are otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR).

How does the otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test work?

In the OAE test, a small ear probe is placed in the baby’s ear canal, and sounds are played. The ear responds by sending back an echo, which is measured to assess hearing.

How long does the OAE test typically take?

The OAE test can take less than a minute per ear when performed on a sleeping infant.

What is the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test?

The ABR test involves placing electrodes on the baby’s forehead and behind each ear, then playing sounds to the ear. The electrodes measure the brain’s response to the sounds.

Are the hearing tests painful for newborns?

No, both the OAE and ABR tests are completely painless for newborns.

What happens if a baby passes the hearing screening test?

If a baby passes the hearing screening test, no further testing is usually required unless there are risk factors for developing hearing loss later in life.

What happens if a baby does not pass the newborn hearing screening?

If a baby does not pass the newborn hearing screening, a more comprehensive hearing test will be recommended to determine if there is a hearing issue.

Why is it important to test both ears during newborn hearing screening?

It is important to test both ears to ensure that hearing is functioning properly in both ears, as hearing loss can affect one ear or both.

Are the newborn hearing screening tests considered reliable?

Yes, the tests are considered relatively reliable, but they are still screening tests. If a baby does not pass, further testing will be done to confirm the results.