Hearing testing in children

Question 1

What test is done on all newborns as part of the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme?

Answer 1

Otoacoustic emission test.

A computer generated click is playing. Audiologist then can tell if there is a healthy cochlea or not.

Question 2

What test can also be done in newborns and infants?

Answer 2

Auditory brainstem response test.

(Only done if otoacoustic emission test is abnormal)

Question 3

What test is done at 6-9 months?

Answer 3

Distraction test

Performed by the health visit.

Question 4

What test can be done at 18 months to 2.5 years?

Answer 4

Recognition of familiar objects

(Where is the teddy? Where is the cup?)

Question 5

What tests are done > 2.5 years?

Answer 5

• Performance testing
• Speech discrimination tests (Similar sounding objects)
• Pure tone audiometry - done at school (Usually at > 3 years old)