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We test hearing of all newborn infants.
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| Ingham's infant hearing screening is painless and quick. Three electrodes are attached to the top of the baby's head. Baby is outfitted with headphones. Within five minutes, computerized results tell whether the infant has normal or abnormal hearing. |
The newborn is asleep and quiet. A trained volunteer attaches three electrodes to the infant’s scalp and places headphones over both ears. Within five minutes, the brain stem auditory evoked potential (AABR) screening prints out computerized results showing the infant's brain wave response to sounds heard. Copies of the results go to the infant’s physician and to the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Ingham pediatric hospitalist Martha Feher, M.D., notes the importance of infant hearing screening: "Significant hearing loss is one of the most common abnormalities present at birth. It’s important to detect hearing loss before the infant is six months old to prevent language deficits. This is a condition that cannot be caught by physical exam. If hearing is not tested at birth, hearing deficits may not be picked up until the newborn is 15-16 months old.
"This is a situation where we can cure the problem. If hearing loss occurs, the infant can be fitted with a hearing aid so they progress normally with language skills. The screening is free to parents and is strongly recommended (but not mandatory) by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
"We began doing hearing screenings in January 2000. We decided to screen all newborns (with parental consent), and not just high-risk patients – low birth weight, born prematurely, or other physical conditions. Most newborn hearing loss is congenital, and we don’t know the reason.
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| Martha Feher, MD, Ingham pediatric hospitalist, checks an infant during their newborn hearing screening. |
"AAP studies have shown that significant hearing loss in both ears is present in one to three per 1,000 infants born, considered well babies. For intensive care infants, the range is two to four per 100 infants born.
"If an infant fails the first screening, a second screening is done before the newborn is discharged. If the infant fails the hearing test a second time, we notify the infant’s physician and the parents, and recommend further testing and follow-up.
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