Newborn Infant Hearing Screening

Medical Authors: Jillyen E. Kibby, MA, CCC-A and John Mersch, MD, FAAP
Medical Editors: James K. Bredenkamp, MD, FACS and William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is a newborn infant hearing screening program?
• Why is it important to screen for hearing loss in all newborn infants?
• How common is hearing loss in infants?
• What are some of the causes of hearing loss in the newborn?
• How is hearing in infants tested?
• What is an ABR test?
• What is an OAE evaluation?
• OAEs and ABRs, is one test better than the other?
• What does it mean when an infant does not pass the hearing screen?
• What is the difference between a hearing screen and a diagnostic hearing test?
• If an infant does not pass a hearing screen in the hospital, what happens next?
• If an infant has a hearing loss, what is the next step?

What is a newborn infant hearing screening program?

Newborn infant hearing screening programs are designed to identify hearing loss in infants shortly after birth. All states have implemented these screening protocols within hospitals and birthing clinics. About 95% of hearing screening tests are done prior to discharge from the hospital or birthing clinics.

Typically, nurses or medical assistants are trained extensively on how to operate automated equipment for testing infants. Prior to discharge, each newborn has his/her hearing tested. If, for some reason, the newborn does not pass the screen, a rescreen is usually done. If the infant still does not pass the second hearing test, he/she is referred to a specialist for further testing.

Specialists who are experts at testing hearing are called audiologists. Audiologists have had training that emphasizes diagnostic hearing testing techniques as well as hearing rehabilitation of children and adults. Their postgraduate academic training requires a minimum of a master's degree.

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