Newborn Hearing Test – All Newborns Tested For Hearing Impairments

All newborn infants are now tested at Phelps Memorial Health Center for hearing impairments prior to leaving the hospital. Studies prove that early detection of hearing loss and early treatment can greatly improve a child’s language, communication, and educational development.

According to Jeff Berney, M.D., if a child is not screened for hearing loss at birth, the average age a hearing loss is detected is around 2 ½ years of age, well after the most critical period for language development has passed.

The Newborn Hearing Screening Program allows physicians to easily determine whether a hearing loss is present in newborns prior to their dismissal.

“With a universal newborn hearing screening program, we can identify children with hearing deficits as early as possible, so that follow-up treatment can be provided at an early stage in development,” Dr. Berney said. “This is a valuable program, one we are proud to implement for all newborns at Phelps Memorial.”

The screening test, an Otoacoustic Emissions test , can be done while the baby is asleep in just a few minutes and is not uncomfortable for them. The OAE screening uses a soft ear probe and a miniature microphone to measure the “echo” that is sent back to the ear canal as it responds to sound. If a baby has hearing loss, no echo is measured. The results from the screening put a baby in one of two categories: “Pass” or “Refer” (do not pass). Passing the hearing screening indicates that the baby’s hearing is within normal limits at the time of the screening test. A refer result does not mean that a baby definitely has hearing loss, however, it does mean they need to be evaluated further to be sure hearing loss is not overlooked.

Hearing impairment is one of the most common disabilities at birth. Annually, as many as 23,000 babies are born in the United States with hearing impairments. If you have concerns about your child’s hearing, discuss them with physician. Your child’s hearing can be tested at any age.

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NickTown is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.digital-hearing-aids-n-protection.com. Finding out more about hearing loss, so you can choose the digital hearing aids or therapy that is necessary.