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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHearing loss is a fairly common birth defect, affecting two to three out of 1,000 babies. But even if your baby fails the initial hearing test, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that a hearing loss exists. Two to 10 percent of newborns in the U.S. fail their first hearing screening, and of those, less than one percent have permanent hearing loss; follow-up screenings often come back normal. A failed hearing test can be the result of crying and fussing during the exam or a buildup of fluid or debris in the ears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Older children, too, can have a failed hearing test for a number of reasons. Fluid in the ear or excess wax can negatively affect the results. It\u2019s best to have a trained audiologist perform a hearing test in a clinical setting in order to be sure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pediatric Hearing Tests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are several different hearing tests that an audiologist can administer, based on your child\u2019s age, development and health. These include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) test. Clicking sounds are transmitted through earphones, and electrodes measure the auditory system\u2019s response.<\/li>
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test. Pulse-type sounds are delivered through a probe in the ear canal, and the \u201cecho\u201d response from cells in the inner ear is recorded. <\/li>
- Tympanometry. Soft sounds and air pressure are introduced in the ear canal to measure movement of the eardrum. <\/li>
- Middle ear muscle reflex (MEMR). A rubber tip is inserted in the ear canal, and a series of sounds that should trigger reflexes are delivered through the tips. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If your infant or child fails any of these hearing tests, solutions are available to assist their growth and development. <\/p>\n\n\n