Automatic Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR)
It is a simplified version of the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Audiometry measurement. It assesses the average neural response to a large number of repeated soft “click” sounds at 35 dB nHL level delivered to a baby’s ears via a pair of earphones. It can detect problems in the cochlea, auditory nerve, and brainstem. It can be done after born.
Why does my baby need to have the hearing screening?
One to two babies in every 1,000 are born with a hearing loss. It is difficult for the parents to identify that a baby has hearing loss. The late identification or unidentified hearing loss at birth can adversely affect speech and language development as well as academic achievement, cognitive development and social- emotional development. The newborn hearing screening will allow the babies who have a hearing loss to be identified early, so that appropriate intervention service can be arranged at an early stage.
What do the results of the hearing screening mean?
If the result is "Pass", it means that your baby is unlikely to have hearing loss. However, you still have to observe your baby’s hearing behavior and development.
If the result is "Refer" at the screening, it does not mean that your baby has a hearing loss. There may be some other causes that lead to the results.
No family member has a hearing loss. Does my baby need to have the hearing screening ?
Yes, the hearing test is equally important for all the babies. Most babies with a hearing loss are born into families with no history of hearing loss.
When can my baby have the hearing screening?
Your baby can have the hearing screening after born. Also, you can ask baby's paediatrican or contact St. Paul’s Hospital Nursery Department for screening if your baby has been discharged.
What happens during the hearing screening?
The test is carried out in a quiet room. Sound will be delivered to the baby through an earmuff and the responses will be picked up by the machine through the electrodes that placed on the baby’s head and neck etc. The responses will be analyzed by the equipment and determined if the baby passes or needs to have a follow up test. These screening test takes about 5 to 30 minutes. It is not uncomfortable for your baby.
Version 2.0 Effective date: 6.2020
