[Validation parameters of otoemissions with Echocheck]

There are several papers that support the use of Echocheck system to exclude neonatal hypoacusis, but none of them compare it with the ILO systems, neither compare the internal parameters obtained versus those from a colour coded system. We are trying to demonstrate that both techniques are equivalent and valid.

Acoustic otoemissions were studied in four hundred and ninety four (494) newborn ears using Echocheck. They were classified as Normal, Not valid, No EOAEs and Invalid using a colour coded system. After this they were compared with the internal results registered by the system. On the other hand, otoemissions were obtained using both methods (Echocheck and ILO-88) in 135 ears and the results compared.

The correlation between the results obtained through the colour coded system and those obtained from the internal register was absolute for those parameters previously determined. For the comparison between both systems, results did coincide in all cases except for two, in which there were only results with ILO and not with Echocheck.

The validity of the test using this new system as well as the comparison of the results with those obtained from ILO systems has been demonstrated, therefore its use has been recommended for the early detection of hypoacusis in newborn due to the fact that it is simple to perform.