Since the incidence of sensory, as well as neural hearing loss is approximately ten times higher in the NICU versus well-baby nursery, A-ABR is the recommended screening technology for use in the NICU population (JCIH 2007).
If the initial screening was not completed (the baby was missed or results were incomplete) prior to discharge, it is the birth facility's responsibility to provide the initial hearing screening to the newborn after discharge and to make an appointment for this hearing screening before the newborn is discharged.
The birth screening should consist of a maximum of 2 attempts on each ear. If the infant does not pass in one or both ears, rescreening is recommended.