Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
[A new method for detecting congenital hearing disorders. Infants are screened by measuring otoacoustic emissions]
1ENT Dept, Universitetssjukhuset, Linköping, Sweden.
Insights
Universal neonatal screening using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing is effective for early detection of congenital hearing deficit. This method allows for timely intervention, improving outcomes for infants with hearing impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal screening
- Audiology
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
Context:
- Congenital hearing deficit is often detected late despite existing infant screening programs.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) measurement is an effective method for assessing neonatal hearing.
- This article reviews international and Swedish experiences with universal neonatal screening programs utilizing OAE testing.
Purpose:
- To outline the experience of universal neonatal screening programmes using OAE testing in Sweden.
- To assess the effectiveness and participation rates of OAE screening in newborns.
Summary:
- Universal OAE screening was implemented at University Hospital, Linköping, in September 1995, testing approximately 6,000 infants.
- Participation rates reached 98.5% within the first two years.
- Satisfactory bilateral OAE results were achieved in 97.1% of cases, with auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing used for further investigation when needed.
Impact:
- Early identification of neonatal hearing impairment through OAE screening facilitates timely intervention.
- High participation rates demonstrate the feasibility and acceptance of universal OAE screening programs.
- Effective identification and follow-up protocols using ABR testing ensure comprehensive audiological assessment for at-risk infants.
Abstract:
Despite various infant screening programmes, congenital hearing deficit is normally detected too late. However, the measurement of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) has now proved to be an effective means of assessing neonatal hearing. The article consists in an outline of both international and Swedish experience of universal neonatal screening programmes using OAE testing. Since universal OAE screening was introduced at University Hospital, Linköping, in September 1995, some 6,000 infants have been tested. During the first two years 98.5 per cent of the children participated. Satisfactory bilateral OAE test results were obtained in 97.1 per cent of cases. Where further investigation was necessary, it took the form of auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing during natural rest, or full diagnostic ABR testing under general anaesthesia.
