If you are an expecting new parent, you may be curious and even slightly nervous about what happens during your baby\u2019s hearing test. Let\u2019s go over some of the basics, as well as what to do if hearing loss is detected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are Newborn Hearing Tests Safe? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/theentcenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/hollie-santos-aUtvHsu8Uzk-unsplash-1280x853.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nYes. Newborn hearing screenings<\/a> are completely safe and painless for your child. Many times, the tests are administered while your baby is napping, and they don\u2019t even wake up. There are two common tests used in these hearing screenings and each takes only a few minutes to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Tests Check My Newborn\u2019s Hearing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test. <\/strong>The ABR test measures how your baby\u2019s brain responds to sound. A technician will place small headphones over their ears and electrodes on their head to measure brain waves while a series of clicks and other gentle sounds are played.<\/li>
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) test. <\/strong>This test measures the sound waves that are produced in your baby\u2019s inner ear using a microphone and earphone to calculate their hearing abilities.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What It Means if The Tests Show Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If the results show your newborn has failed one or both tests, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean anything. These tests are diagnostic tools to help identify potential problems, but a failed test does not automatically mean your child has permanent hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
False positives for hearing loss can happen. Additionally, any hearing loss present may be the result of a temporary condition like fluid buildup or an ear infection. Depending on your child\u2019s individual situation, their healthcare providers may test them again before they leave the hospital or wait and schedule a follow-up with an audiologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treating Permanent Hearing Loss in Children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If your child does have permanent pediatric hearing loss<\/a>, it\u2019s understandable that you\u2019d feel upset and scared about what that means for the future. However, early detection and the right treatment with hearing aids or cochlear implants can help them experience the world much as their peers do.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPediatric hearing aids can help your child respond to your voice, engage during story time and experience the different sounds of Amerson River Park.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you would like additional information or are concerned about your child\u2019s hearing and wish to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call The ENT Center of Central Georgia<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nYes. Newborn hearing screenings<\/a> are completely safe and painless for your child. Many times, the tests are administered while your baby is napping, and they don\u2019t even wake up. There are two common tests used in these hearing screenings and each takes only a few minutes to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the results show your newborn has failed one or both tests, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean anything. These tests are diagnostic tools to help identify potential problems, but a failed test does not automatically mean your child has permanent hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n False positives for hearing loss can happen. Additionally, any hearing loss present may be the result of a temporary condition like fluid buildup or an ear infection. Depending on your child\u2019s individual situation, their healthcare providers may test them again before they leave the hospital or wait and schedule a follow-up with an audiologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your child does have permanent pediatric hearing loss<\/a>, it\u2019s understandable that you\u2019d feel upset and scared about what that means for the future. However, early detection and the right treatment with hearing aids or cochlear implants can help them experience the world much as their peers do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pediatric hearing aids can help your child respond to your voice, engage during story time and experience the different sounds of Amerson River Park.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you would like additional information or are concerned about your child\u2019s hearing and wish to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call The ENT Center of Central Georgia<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Tests Check My Newborn\u2019s Hearing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What It Means if The Tests Show Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treating Permanent Hearing Loss in Children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n