Screen Testing for Hearing Loss in Infants

Why are babies being screened for hearing loss?

Hearing loss in a baby is hard to detect because you can't see it and babies can't tell us that they do not hear. Yet, hearing loss is the most common birth defect. Six out of 1000 babies are born with a hearing loss. Babies learn to speak by listening, and the child who is unable to hear normally will not develop speech and language normally. Fortunately, hearing loss is very treatable when identified early. The most critical ages for speech and language development are birth through 3 years. Early identification of a hearing problem allows us to provide the special attention needed to aid in speech and language development, as well as in social, emotional, and academic development.

How will my baby's hearing be tested?

We use a procedure called the Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs). A small probe is placed in your baby's ear, and sounds which are produced within the ear are measured. The computer then analyzes these sounds. By looking at the sound your baby's ears produce, we can determine if normal hearing is present or if further testing is needed.

What happens if my baby needs further testing?

There may be other reasins why your baby needs further testing besides having a permanent hearing loss. One reason may be that there is vernix (tissue from the birth process) in the ear or fluid behind the eardrum that will go away. The vernix or fluid can cause temporary abnormal OAEs. This will correct when the vernix or fluid is reabsorbed by the body or goes away on its own. Sometimes we cannot get good results from the OAE, especially if the baby is noisy or moving too much. If your baby needs further re-testing, you will be contacted by the Audiology Department to schedule an appointment.

The Audiology Department may be contacted (845) 368-5253.