Hearing Screening vs. Evaluation

A hearing screening determines whether a child  probably does not have a significant hearing loss, or whether further testing is needed. Most Minnesota hospitals will perform a screening otoacoustic emissions test on newborns before hospital discharge.  If they are not able to clear a child for hearing, a second screening may be recommended in 1-3 weeks after birth. If that test is inconclusive, the infant may be referred for ABR and a full audiologic evaluation to determine the degree and type of hearing loss.

For more information about newborn hearing screening online see Minnesota Department of Health, Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI).