Hearing Screening test for Newborns

Hearing screenings can be conducted for every age group. The tests are fairly quick and performed to lower the needs for comprehensive hearing examinations. This helps in identifying auditory loss as quickly as possible. In several clinics of Kolkata, these tests are conducted for new born babies. Older children and adults may fetch benefits from ear checkup programs by NGOs, Schools and health fairs.

Check-up for babies’ right after their birth

There are a number of hospitals and medical centers that screen audibility of newborns at the time of hospital stay right after the birth. With advanced devices and technology rich electrical components the process gets very fast, seamless and painless. When the infant is sleeping, a very quick ear test is carried out, known as Oto-acoustic emissions or ABR (auditory brainstem response).

Although, at this little age, failing a screening does not give any definite result for auditory loss, but this makes you more responsible to take your baby for another diagnosis after one or two weeks. The reason for early failure may be due to the reason that the fluid from the middle ear or womb blocks the canal, creating a false fail test.

Ear diagnosis in adults

Loss of audibility can be due to various reasons. The most common factor is age. As an individual gets older, cells inside the ears started drying by and reduce functionality. This progresses gradually over time and affects both right and the left ears. Many adults do not prefer to get treated for this condition.

Audio-logical centers analyze hearing problems with numerous diagnoses:

Soft sounds Test – Through the experiment, it is observed if the person is capable to hear whispers, ticking clock, finger rubs, etc.

Consultation via question-answer session – An ENT specialist may ask you a series of questions related to hearing or tell you to fill out a questionnaire. Depending on your reply, the treatment is prescribed.

Handheld audiometer – This device can gauge the capability to listen sounds at various volumes and pitches.