What happens during a hearing screening?
It is important that both the baby and the environment are quiet for the hearing screening. The screener may ask your extended family members and/or small children to step outside the room for a few minutes. When the test is completed, the screener will be able to tell you the results. The first stage screening for a healthy baby born without complications is completed using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE). For this test, the Newborn Hearing Screening Technician will insert a small plug into your baby’s ear canal. Your baby will hear a soft sound for a few minutes. The technician will not be looking for any response from your baby, but will be able to obtain the result from the equipment. After the first ear is tested, the screener will repeat the process for the second ear. If your baby does not pass the screening using this method of testing, a second stage screening will be performed called Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR). This testing requires different equipment setup and
