The audiologist can also perform hearing screenings for newborns. This is a test done to determine if a newborn has a hearing impairment.
HEARING SCREENING FOR INFANTS (0 TO 8 MONTHS)
What is a hearing screening for infants?
The hearing screening for infants is done by an audiologist to determine whether an infant has a hearing deficiency.
The test is not at all painful or uncomfortable for the baby. Most even sleep while it’s happening!
The audiologist places a small device that emits sounds (like a small speaker) in the baby’s outer ear. The sounds are received by the inner ear (cochlea), which makes a weak echo of the sounds. A special piece of equipment analyzes the echoes, called optoacoustic emissions.
» Find a clinic that specializes in children between 0 and 8 months
In this video, the audiologist Marilène Roy, explains the importance of a hearing screening for a newborn and how it works.
- Video available in French only, but English subtitles.
What does the hearing screening for infants show?
The test results are instantaneous and are explained immediately.
Pass
This result indicates that the baby has good hearing or minor hearing impairment. Note that despite its strong sensitivity, the screening test cannot verify all sound frequencies. In addition, some childhood hearing impairments arise some time after birth, for various reasons.
As such, it is very important to carefully monitor your child’s communication development and reaction to sounds as he or she grows.
Fail
This result means that your child may have hearing loss in one or both ears. However, conditions surrounding the test, such as too much background noise, may make it difficult for the computer to detect the emissions from the ear, which would influence the test result. More advanced tests would be necessary in this case. If referred to an ENT doctor, the test would entail verification by microscope to detect whether there is an obstruction, like fluid, in the middle ear. Audiology tests may also be done to verify the middle ear (impedance analysis) or to examine the auditory nerve, both of which are adapted for newborns. The audiologist will be able to recommend the specific exams needed and explain them to you when the time comes.
If you suspect your child is having issues with hearing development, don’t hesitate to get a hearing test done.
» Find a clinic that specializes in children between 8 months and 4
Did you know that…
Audiology services do not require a medical prescription.
Visit fees may be covered by private insurance.
To learn more about Complete hearing test – children services (8 months – 4 years old), click here