Suspected hearing difficulty, delayed speech or reduced responses to sound warrants assessment in a child. A normal newborn screen does not exclude later hearing loss.
Tests are chosen for age and development. OAE records an inner-ear response to sound; ABR/BERA uses electrodes to assess electrical responses of the auditory nerve and brainstem. They are not the same test. Behavioural audiometry, otoscopy and middle-ear tests may also be needed. Results are interpreted together; clapping or turning up sound at home cannot confirm normal hearing.
The ear canal and eardrum are examined; hearing tests and tympanometry may be needed. Do not insert cotton buds or other objects. If you have a perforation, a tube or previous ear surgery, a clinician should choose drops or irrigation.
Sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear or rapidly worsening pain require urgent assessment.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment