How is newborn hearing screening done?
  • Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) - This test measures how the hearing nerve responds to sound. Clicks or tones are played through soft earphones into the baby's ears. The electrodes place on the baby's head measures the hearing nerve response.
  • Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) - This test measures sound waves produced in the inner ear. A tiny probe is placed just inside the baby's ear canal. It measures the response (echo) when the clicks or tones are played into the baby's ears.
  • Both tests are quick (5 to 10 minutes), painless and may be done while your baby is sleeping or lying still.

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1. How is newborn hearing screening done?
2. What if my baby passes?
3. What if my baby does not pass the hearing screen?
4. What if my baby did not receive a hearing screen as a newborn?