How newborns are screened for hearing loss?

OAE or ABR: Newborn screenings for hearing loss are mandated by law in most states. An otoacoustic emission test or audio brainstem evoked potential test is done for this. If the screening is abnormal... A referral to an ENT is recommended.

Newborn hearing test: A technique using emitted signals from the inner ear hair cells called otoacoustic emissions is used. This does not require the child to react to the sound in any way, but rather relies on a signal from the inner ear brought about by sending a combination of frequencies into the child's ear. It is a good screening test, but like all screening tests has limitations.