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Updated: Aug 29, 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
Current concepts in universal newborn hearing screening and early hearing detection and intervention programs
1Department of Neonatology, Hutzel Women's Hospital, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. karingracey@aol.com
Insights
Newborn hearing screening is crucial, especially for NICU infants at higher risk. Early detection and intervention programs (EHDI) improve outcomes and reduce parental anxiety regarding infant hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Audiology
- Pediatric nursing
Background:
- Newborns undergo routine hearing loss screening in nurseries and NICUs.
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants face elevated risks for hearing impairment.
- Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs are vital for these infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of understanding hearing screening processes and EHDI outcomes for NICU nurses.
- To emphasize the need for continued hearing monitoring for high-risk infants up to age three.
- To address parental anxiety and the necessity of providing guidance on infant hearing.
Main Methods:
- Review of current newborn hearing screening protocols.
- Analysis of EHDI program components and their effectiveness.
- Identification of nursing roles in infant hearing assessment and parental support.
Main Results:
- NICU infants require vigilant follow-up and repeat hearing tests due to higher risk.
- Parental education and support are essential for managing anxiety and ensuring optimal infant hearing outcomes.
- Understanding screening and intervention processes is key for NICU nursing practice.
Conclusions:
- NICU nurses play a critical role in the hearing health of high-risk newborns.
- Consistent hearing surveillance and timely intervention are paramount for infants in the NICU.
- Comprehensive parental guidance is necessary to mitigate concerns about infant hearing loss.
Abstract:
Newborns are routinely screened for hearing loss; screening typically occurs in the newborn nursery and newborn intensive care unit. Understanding the process and outcomes of initial hearing screening and ongoing early hearing detection and intervention programs (EHDI) are important roles of the newborn/neonatal intensive care (NICU) nurse. Infants that require NICU care are at higher risk of hearing loss and need close follow-up and repeat hearing testing throughout their first 3 years of life. Parents experience anxiety and worry related to potential hearing loss problems and need guidance, education, and information on infant hearing to ensure the best possible outcome for their infant.
