Early detection of hearing loss and deafness in children is vital to proper treatment, necessary modification to communication methods, and proper attention to other conditions that may be related to a child’s hearing loss. Through the efforts of The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders, along with federally funded programs, newborn hearing tests are conducted in all U.S. states and territories. To detect whether the dysfunction is related to the ear or the brain, specialists apply two separate, completely painless tests.

1. Hearing Tests for
Newborns
BY DR. FRANK BRETTSCHNEIDER

2. Hearing Tests for Newborns
Early detection of hearing loss and deafness in
children is vital to proper treatment, necessary
modification to communication methods, and proper
attention to other conditions that may be related to a
child’s hearing loss. Through the efforts of The
National Institute on Deafness and Other
Communicative Disorders, along with federally
funded programs, newborn hearing tests are
conducted in all U.S. states and territories. To detect
whether the dysfunction is related to the ear or the
brain, specialists apply two separate, completely
painless tests.

3. Hearing Tests for Newborns
The first, an otoacoustic emissions test, examines the
function of the ear to determine if all parts are working
properly. A soft sponge earphone is inserted into the ear
canal, and emits a series of sounds that range in
frequency. The response of the child indicates whether
the infant has a proper range of hearing. The second
test, an auditory brain stem response, combines
comfortable headphones with electrodes placed on the
child’s head. While causing no discomfort to the
infant, the electrodes measure brain activity during
sound emissions. The two tests combined can identify
hearing loss and narrow the cause to specific ear
abnormalities or to a brain dysfunction.

4. About the Author
Dr. Frank Brettschneider is a Board Certified
Otolaryngologist serving the community of Port
Huron, Michigan, through his private practice, Port
Huron ENT PC, and through affiliation with local
hospitals.