Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations
Published on: July 1, 2015
[Otoacoustic emissions screening as early identification of hearing loss in newborns]
A Vega Cuadri1, M Y Alvarez Suárez, A Blasco Huelva
1Servicio de ORL, Complejo Hospitalario Infanta Cristina, Badajoz.
Insights
Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) effectively screen newborn hearing impairment. This method identified 1.5% of infants with hearing loss, proving its value in early detection.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal audiology
- Otoacoustic emissions
- Hearing screening
Background:
- Congenital hearing impairment affects a significant number of newborns.
- Early detection of hearing loss is crucial for optimal infant development.
- Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) offer a non-invasive screening method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of TEOAE as a screening tool for hearing impairment in neonates.
- To determine the sensitivity and efficacy of TEOAE in identifying congenital hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 11,405 infants was screened using TEOAE prior to discharge.
- Infants who failed the initial TEOAE underwent a repeat test one week later.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used for diagnostic confirmation in suspected cases (threshold > 20 dB).
Main Results:
- A total of 9,951 infants were included in the study.
- 157 infants (1.5%) were diagnosed with hearing loss.
- TEOAE screening demonstrated sufficient sensitivity for identifying congenital hearing impairment.
Conclusions:
- TEOAE is a sensitive and effective screening test for congenital hearing impairment in newborns.
- The efficacy of TEOAE screening improved with increased experience.
- Early identification through TEOAE facilitates timely intervention for hearing-impaired infants.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to examine the results of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) as screening test for hearing impairment in newborn infants. We examined 9.951 of 11.405 infants born in our city from January 1st, 1995, to December 31st, 1998. A TEOAE test was performed prior to discharge and repeated one week later in cases who failed the first TEOAE. In case of suspected hearing loss auditory brainstem response (ABR) was performed 3 months later. Hearing loss was defined as ABR threshold > 20 dB. 157 infants (1.5%) were identified with hearing loss. Screening with TEOAE was sufficiently sensitive in identification of congenital hearing impairment and the efficacy increased with the experience.
