Newborn hearing screening using the Linco-Bennett auditory response cradle: a pilot study.

Abstract

A modified mass newborn hearing screening program was piloted using a combination of a simplified high-risk register and a newly developed automated screening device, the Auditory Response Cradle. The program was designed to handle a total of 4000 babies per year. All children participating received both the high-risk register review and the automated screening test. The Auditory Response Cradle used a binaurally presented high-pass noise through a closed acoustic system at an intrameatally monitored level of 85 dB SPL (re 20 mu Pa) +/- 3 dB. Three independent motor and two respiratory response channels were monitored by the controlling microprocessor unit during a 5-sec prestimulus interval, and a 5-sec stimulus interval. Typical time for a complete test ranged from 5 to 10 min. The results of the present work indicate a false positive rate at or below 1.5%. The described program appears to be a cost-effective means of providing a mass neonatal hearing screening.