Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) uses which two-tier approach to detect congenital hearing loss?

• A Pure tone audiometry followed by speech audiometry
• B Behavioural observation audiometry followed by visual reinforcement audiometry
• C Distortion product OAE followed by impedance audiometry
• D TEOAE followed by ABR if TEOAE fails ✓

Explanation

The standard UNHS protocol uses Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE) as the first tier due to its speed and ease; infants who fail TEOAE are then evaluated with Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), which can objectively threshold cochlear and neural function. ABR is the definitive test for diagnosing congenital SNHL in neonates. Pure tone audiometry requires age-appropriate behavioral cooperation not possible in neonates.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.