MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hearing test

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

Hearing test

Newborns are routinely screened for their hearing shortly after birth to prevent delays in normal language skills. In one test, a small earpiece is placed in the outer part of the baby's ear. The earpiece emits clicking sounds into the baby's ear and the microphone in the earpiece detects nearby sounds. The sounds should echo in the ear canal. If there is no echo, it is a sign of hearing loss.

Update Date: 4/24/2008

Updated by: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.