Newborn Hearing and Vision Screenings: What to Expect

During the first few days and first six weeks of life, your baby will undergo various tests to ensure it's developed properly. This allows Dr. Kristine Liberty, Dr. Steven Kovar, and Dr. Jessica Ciszek of Kids First Pediatrics, serving Plainfield, IL, and the nearby region, to intervene early if a problem is detected. Part of the newborn care testing will include hearing and vision screenings. 

When Testing Happens 

Usually, hearing and vision screenings are performed before your child leaves the hospital. However, suppose you had a home birth without a medical professional present or had inconclusive results at the first screenings. In that case, your newborn may undergo the evaluations after the first few days.

Generally, we recommend having these tests done during your child's first month of life.

Remember that your child may need further testing if they have any signs of hearing or vision problems. 

Hearing Screenings 

To check your infant's hearing, a specialist from our office may use the Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) or Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing. Depending on your baby's specific needs, a combination of both may be used.

The AABR test is a painless way to check your child's inner ear. At the start of the test, a practitioner will place electrodes on your infant's head. These connect to a computer that records your child's brain activity as they hear sounds through a pair of earphones.

The OAE test is also painless and checks inner ear function. For this particular test, a medical professional will place a probe or earphone that'll emit sound into each one of your child's ears. The test measures the sound that comes back whenever they hear a sound, medically known as otoacoustic emissions. 

Vision Screenings 

The vision screening consists of a Plainfield, IL, practitioner examining your child's pupil response and checking for issues like cataracts, glaucoma, infections, or other defects.

The red reflex test is one specific vision test a practitioner will perform on your child as part of newborn care. This exam uses an ophthalmoscope that shines light into your little one's eyes. The medical provider will check the reflection cast by the light to look for abnormalities and asymmetry.

Testing your child's pupils' response to light is another vision screening performed. It consists of shining a light into the child's eyes and checking to see if the pupils dilate.

Kids First Pediatrics of Plainfield, IL, has Dr. Liberty, Dr. Kovar, and Dr. Ciszek, who perform newborn care and screenings to evaluate your little one's development and health. They can even intervene early if necessary.

Book an appointment by calling 815-609-5437.