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Updated: Aug 18, 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
Identifying deafness in the newborn
Insights
Early identification of infant hearing loss is crucial. This article reviews historical screening programs and outlines a new, cost-effective approach for newborn hearing screening.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Early identification of hearing loss in infants is critical for development.
- Implementing accurate and cost-effective newborn hearing screening programs faces challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history of infant hearing screening programs.
- To discuss research on stimulus and response parameters for screening.
- To outline a new screening program aligned with recommended procedures.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of infant hearing screening.
- Discussion of research on stimulus and response parameters.
- Outline of a current screening program in Halifax.
Main Results:
- Challenges in implementing effective newborn hearing screening programs exist.
- Research into stimulus and response parameters is ongoing.
- A new screening program is being implemented in Halifax.
Conclusions:
- Effective newborn hearing screening requires addressing implementation challenges.
- Ongoing research informs improved screening methodologies.
- The Halifax program serves as a model for new procedures.
Abstract:
The necessity of early identification of hearing loss has long been urged by otolaryngologists, pediatricians, audiologists, and others working with the deaf. Yet there have been difficulties in implementing accurate and cost-effective newborn hearing screening programs. This article reviews some of the history of infant screening programs, discusses various areas of research related to stimulus and response parameters, and outlines a screening program, designed to fit new recommended procedures, currently under way in Halifax.
