Right after birth, an infant has to undergo a few tests to check for any abnormality or dysfunction. Here, the child’s hearing is also examined. Newborn hearing screening helps in identifying issues like permanent hearing loss as early as possible. This test can help new parents get the support and advice they need right from the beginning. So, here is all one should know about getting a newborn’s hearing checked:

Hearing loss in babies
It is seen that every one to two babies out of 1,000 is born with permanent hearing loss in either one or both ears. Newborns who have spent more than 48 hours in the intensive care unit are more prone to developing this issue. These babies can be born to parents who have no history of permanent hearing loss. Auditory disability might affect the child’s development, and if the parents and doctors can spot this early on, there is a better chance that the baby can develop fine speech, language, and communication skills.

When should the baby be tested?
Right after birth in a hospital, parents can get a hearing test for newborns before getting discharged from the facility. If this examination is not conducted before being discharged, it should be conducted within the first few weeks before the baby turns one month old. Hospitals or clinics arrange a suitable time and venue for the test. In a nutshell, this examination is usually carried out within the first four to five weeks after birth.

Types of tests
Hospitals offer the following two types of hearing tests for newborns:

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test: This test takes just a few minutes. In this screening procedure, a small soft-tipped earpiece is inserted into the baby’s ear, and gentle sounds are played. If the child hears normally, an echo is reflected, and vice versa. It is true that the very first test might not be able to give conclusive results. This is common and is not an indication that the child has a permanent hearing loss problem. It can mean that:

• The baby was not settled while the test was being conducted
• There was too much background noise
• The baby might have some fluid or blockage in the ear

If any of this happens, the baby has to take another test.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) test: Here, three small sensors are placed on the baby’s head and neck. Later, soft headphones are placed on the ears, and gentle sounds are played. The electrodes pick up responses from the hearing nerve and are later measured by a computer to check if the child has any hearing issues. This test might take around 5 to 15 minutes. This screening method is perfect for babies up to six months. It can provide information about the softest level of sound the ear can hear.

What to expect?
Both hearing tests for newborns are used to examine hearing in babies and are considered safe and comfortable. These methods can be used separately or together. The hospital can decide the type of screening, depending on the cost and the number of babies born. Here are a few likely scenarios:

1. In some hospitals, babies in the nursery or mother’s room are screened using automated OAEs.
2. Babies who do not respond well to the first test are given a second screening using either AOAE or ABR.
3. Infants who have spent more than five days in the NICU should be tested using ABR screening.

Babies who are unable to pass the first screening need to get another test done before three months of age. If the baby is affected by hearing loss, then parents should take part in programs that help babies with auditory issues. Such initiatives can help the child to communicate better, do well in school, and get along with other children.

Dealing with hearing loss
Babies with hearing loss should undergo intervention care before six months of age. The programs offer the following services:

1. Meeting a professional who is trained to handle kids with hearing loss issues
2. Being a part of family support groups
3. Getting in touch with professionals who can help the family and children learn to communicate
4. Suggesting a good hearing aid
5. Other resources to help children with hearing loss

If the first hearing test does not offer conclusive results or shows signs of hearing loss, one should immediately make an appointment with a specialist (audiologist) at an audiology clinic for another test. Parents or caregivers should ensure the baby is well-rested and fed before undergoing such tests.