Audiometry and the new-born.
The early detection of hearing defects has not only advantages but also disadvantages. It is not until the child is 6-9 months old that these begin to balance out. Early examination should be done only when there are compelling reasons, e.g. parental anxiety. The screening of the new-born baby, however attractive it may be as a result of new techniques and the fact that, in some countries many children are born in hospital, must be strongly discouraged.