Hearing screening for new-borns

Why?
Until recently half of all congenital hearing problems, which lead to impaired speech development, were discovered too late. One of the reasons is that the hearing level is good enough to react to clapping, shouting or even normal speech. But for a normal speech development perception of noise levels far below the above mentioned is necessary. Modern technology now allows the detection of such hearing problems.

How?
The inner ear produces "tones" (emissions), which are registered by the use of a walkman like head set and are analyzed by a computer. Since these emissions are very quiet, the best time to do the test is when your baby sleeps or is being fed. The test does not hurt at all and usually takes only seconds. In case of an uninterpretable result (mostly because of amniotic fluid in the middle ear cavity or wax in the ear canal), the test needs to be repeated. Only after failure of a second test further examinations in a specialized center are necessary.

When / Where?
Testing days are usually Tuesday and Friday, and the screening takes place in your rooms or in the new-born ward. Should you miss the test for any reasons please make an appoinment in the office from Dr. R. Kürsten in Vienna, 1st district, Opernring 4/2/6, phone: +43 (1) 512 60 11.