Any abnormality in the formation of the face or the ear Very high bilirubin levels necessitating exchange transfusion, see Bilirubin Infection of the fluid surrounding the brain, called meningitis Severe lack of oxygen near the time of birth Children can also develop hearing loss after birth during childhood.
Many nurseries screen babies for hearing.
Three electrodes are placed on the baby's head and a click sound is delivered to the baby's ear by a small headphone. The baby's brainwave response to the sound is recorded and compared to a normal baby pattern. A small rubber probe is placed in the ear canal. It delivers a sound which travels to the inner ear. The inner ear sends back an echo which is picked up by a microphone in the probe.