For every 1,000 babies, 1 to 2 are born with irreversible hearing loss in one or both ears. When a baby has spent more than 48 hours in intensive care, this number rises to around 1 in every 100.
Hearing loss that is permanent can have a substantial impact on a child’s development. Early detection increases the chances of these babies gaining language, speech, and communication skills.
Know more about newborn hearing screening in the Philippines.
Newborn hearing test Philippines Newborn hearing test failed How to test newborn hearing at home 8 important things you need to know about the newborn hearing test 1. Newborn hearing test in the PhilippinesNewborn hearing test in the Philippines. | Photo by Burst from Pexelsv
Hearing testing is simple and painless. In reality, when babies are being tested, they are frequently asleep. It takes very little time — generally only a few minutes — to complete. The screening is sometimes repeated while the newborns are still in the hospital or soon after they leave.
Hearing screening for babies should be done by an audiologist. An audiologist is a professional that specializes in hearing evaluations.
This person will conduct additional tests to determine if a hearing loss exists. An audiologist can use a variety of tests to determine whether or not a baby has a hearing loss, how severe it is, and what type it is.
2. When is the hearing test administeredIf you give birth in a hospital, your baby may be given a newborn hearing test before being discharged.
Otherwise, it will be done within the first few weeks by your healthcare provider. Your local newborn hearing screening program will contact you to schedule an appointment at a convenient time and location. The test should be done within the first 4 to 5 weeks of life, although it can be done as early as 3 months.
3. How much is a newborn hearing testThe cost of an OAE test in a testing center is presently P300, whereas the cost of an ABR test varies between P800 and P2,000.
4. How is the hearing test doneThe automated otoacoustic emission (AOAE) test is a newborn hearing test. It only takes a few minutes.
Gentle clicking sounds are played through a little soft-tipped earpiece put in your baby’s ear. It isn’t always possible to receive clear answers on the first test. This happens to a lot of babies, and it doesn’t always imply your child will be deaf in the future.
It could indicate that:
When the test was performed, your baby was disturbed. There was noise in the background. Your child’s ear is full of fluid or has a temporary obstruction.Your infant will be offered a second test in these instances. This could be the same as the first test, or it could be a different form known as the automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) test.
In the AABR exam, three little sensors are placed on your baby’s head and neck. Gentle clicking sounds are broadcast through soft headphones over your baby’s ears. This test will take between 5 and 15 minutes to complete.
Photo by Natalie from Pexels
Don’t worry because the newborn hearing test is perfectly safe and won’t harm your newborn in any way.
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5. How accurate are newborn hearing testsWhile the AABR and OAE tests are the most common and effective options for newborn hearing examinations, they aren’t without flaws. It’s possible that the test will overlook some tones. This means your youngster could be partially deaf.
If you have a family history of hearing loss, your baby’s doctor or audiologist will likely recommend that you keep your baby’s hearing monitored for the rest of his or her life. This is preventative, as it aims to keep any hearing issues from delaying your baby’s development.
Even if there is no family history of hearing loss or known hearing problems, your child’s hearing should be examined on a regular basis.
6. Newborn hearing test failedBefore three months of age, all babies who do not pass the first screening should have a comprehensive hearing test.
Early detection of a hearing loss and enrollment in a program for babies with hearing loss (starting when the baby is six months old) allows a youngster to:
Improve interpersonal communication skills. Perform well in school. Get along with the other kids.The newborn hearing test is highly recommended, but it’s not compulsory. If you decide not to have the screening test, you’ll be given checklists to help you check on your baby’s hearing as they grow older.
7. How to test newborn hearing at homePhoto by SHAHBAZ AKRAM from Pexels
The neonatal hearing test is strongly advised, although it is not required. If you opt out of the screening, you’ll be given checklists to keep track of your child’s hearing as they get older.
As newborns grow older, some acquire hearing issues. Even if your baby passed their newborn hearing screening, keep an eye on them as they grow and change for evidence that they’re hearing well. Check to discover if your baby’s hearing development is on track with these guidelines. Just remember that every baby is different and reaches milestones at various ages.
Birth to 3 months old When spoken to, he or she smiles or relaxes. When loud noises are heard, it reacts. Produces gentle tones When you cry, he recognizes your voice and soothes down. 4 to 6 months old Produces babbling noises Likes to play with rattles and other items that generate noises Loud noises can make you upset With their sight, they follow sounds Responds to vocal tones 7 to 12 months old Starts repeating sounds Responds to their own name or another sound Simple requests, such as “come here,” are met with a positive response Looks at what you’re saying Sounds are followed by a look or a turn in the direction of the sounds When someone speaks to him, he listens 8. What to do: newborn hearing test failedIf your baby’s audiologist confirms hearing loss, treatment and early intervention should begin right away.
According to studies, if any hearing problems are detected and assistance and intervention begin by 6 months of age, your kid will have the highest chance of developing spoken language on par with hearing peers. The sooner you start, the better.
If you suspect your child has a hearing problem, arrange an appointment with a hearing expert with the help of your pediatrician.
CDC, NHS UK, WebMD, Healthline, Healthy Children, Acta Medica Philippina
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