There are two primary methods used for newborn hearing screening:
1. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): This test measures sound waves produced in the inner ear. A tiny probe is placed in the baby's ear, and sound is played through it. If the inner ear is functioning normally, it will produce an echo that the probe can detect. 2. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): This test measures the hearing nerve's response to sound. Small electrodes are placed on the baby's head, and sounds are played through earphones. The electrodes detect the electrical activity in the brain in response to the sound.
Both tests are safe, non-invasive, and take only a few minutes to complete.
