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Types Of Infant Hearing Tests & The Benefits Of Doing Them

Hearing loss is one of the most common birth defects in the United States. Out of every 1,000 babies born, three have permanent hearing loss. Some parents may not say anything, because they think it doesn't matter yet or can't be detected until the child can communicate. However, there are tests that can be done on babies to detect hearing loss. Here are the tests that can be performed along with the benefits of early detection.

There are two types of hearing tests that can be performed on newborn babies. These tests are:

  1. Otoacoustic emissions test

  2. Auditory brainstem response test

Otoacoustic Emissions Test

The otoacoustic emissions test (OAE) is a test designed for babies and people with development disabilities. This test can determine hearing sensitivity within specific ranges and feigned hearing loss. It's also able to determine the neural and sensory components attributed to the hearing loss. The cochlea is the portion of the inner ear in charge of auditory information. The cochlea emits a low frequency sound called an OAE when it picks up on sound. This test measures the OAEs that are produced.

This test is performed by putting small microphones in the baby's ear, much like earbuds. A variety of sounds are played to the baby. The microphones pick up and measure the OAE response.

Auditory Brainstem Response Test

The auditory brainstem response test (ABR) is commonly performed in the hospital if a baby fails its initial hearing test after birth. This test is performed by sticking electrodes on the baby's head to measure how specific nerves respond to sound. The ability to lay completely still is important for accurate ABR results, so between the ages of 6 months and 7 years, children are generally put under anesthesia to sleep through the test. Because of this, it's usually not performed on children at that age unless other testing has been exhausted first.

Benefits of Early Detection

Early detection for hearing loss is important. Babies learn to talk by mimicking adults and older children. Hearing loss will cause speech delays. If your child has total hearing loss, he or she will need to begin learning sign language as soon as possible to be able to communicate.

The inability to communicate leads to frustration, which ultimately leads to behavioral problems for most kids. Getting your child screened early will allow for early intervention which can help your child develop at a normal rate.

If you think your baby is having trouble hearing, speak up. You have a lot to lose and nothing to gain by waiting until your baby is older. The OAE and ABR tests are both commonly performed and excellent for diagnosing hearing problems. One test can allow you to begin early intervention and save your child years of frustration.


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