Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program

Newborn Hearing Screening

Technical Fact Sheet

Technology Used for Screening

The Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program’s approach includes two screening methods, which are used under different circumstances.

The most common technique is the transient evoked otoacoustic emissions screen (TEOAE). This screening takes place in the hospital and involves the placement of a small ear probe in the baby’s ear canal. In the ear probe are transmitter and receiver components. The transmitter sends out a series of click sounds that then travel from the ear canal, through the middle ear, to the inner ear(the cochlea). Certain parts of the healthy cochlea (the outer hair cells) produce an "echo" (TEOAE) in response to these incoming click sounds and the "echo" travels back out to the ear canal. From here the baby’s response is recorded by a special hardware and software system (the IL088 by Otodynamics Ltd.)

A second screening method, the automated auditory brainstem response (AABR-the AlgoTM system by Natus Medical Inc.) is completed on infants for whom the TEOAE cannot be performed or whose TEOAE screen does not meet "pass" criteria; the AABR provides an electrophysiological measure of the hearing pathway along the auditory nerve. Small sensors are placed on the baby’s head and earphones are also used.

Staffing Requirements

In order for this program to be helpful to infants and their families, screening needs to be done quickly and as part of the hospital’s daily nursery routine. A variety of hospital staff can be trained to screen, including:

• registered nurses
• licensed practical nurses
• certified nurses aides
• trained technicians

At RIHAP, the program’s audiologist provides supervision and training to all screening staff at the state’s eight birthing hospitals.

For further information contact:

Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program
Women & Infants Hospital
101 Dudley Street
Providence, RI 02905
Phone: (401) 274-1122, ext. 1844
Fax: (401) 276-7813
Email: RIHAP@WIHRI.ORG