Newborn Hearing Screening in Gandhinagar

Newborn baby getting OAE hearing screening test in Gandhinagar

Why test a newborn's hearing?

About 5–6 babies in every 1,000 in India are born with some hearing loss — and it is invisible. A baby with hearing loss smiles, sleeps and cries like every other baby. The problem only becomes obvious at age 2–3, when speech doesn't come — and by then, the brain's best window for learning language has already passed.

OAE and BERA newborn hearing screening equipment at Renuka Speech and Hearing Clinic Gandhinagar

Hearing loss found before 6 months and treated early → near-normal speech development. Found after age 2 → years of difficult catch-up. That's why every newborn should be screened.

The tests, explained simply

OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) — a tiny soft probe in the ear plays gentle sounds and measures the inner ear's echo. Takes 5 minutes, completely painless, done while the baby sleeps. This is the standard first screening for every newborn.
BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) — small sensors on the head measure how the hearing nerve and brainstem respond to sound. The gold-standard diagnostic test if OAE shows a "refer" result.
ASSR — an advanced test that estimates how much hearing the baby has at each pitch, which is essential for fitting hearing aids in infants accurately.

When should my baby be tested?

Every newborn: OAE screening before 1 month of age (ideally before leaving the hospital).
If screening shows "refer": repeat OAE + BERA by 3 months.
High-risk babies (NICU stay, jaundice needing phototherapy, premature birth, family history of deafness): BERA testing even if OAE passes.
Any age child whose speech is delayed: hearing test first, always.

What if hearing loss is found?

Early help works. Depending on the degree of loss, the path may be infant hearing aids, cochlear implant evaluation, and auditory-verbal therapy (AVT) — all available with us. Families get a clear, step-by-step plan, not just a report.

Signs you should book a newborn hearing screening

Every newborn — OAE screening is recommended before 1 month of age
Baby spent time in NICU, had jaundice needing phototherapy, or was premature
Family history of childhood deafness
Baby doesn't startle at loud sounds or turn to your voice by 6 months
No babbling by 10–12 months
Speech is delayed at any age — hearing must be ruled out first

What it costs in Gandhinagar

In Gandhinagar, OAE screening typically costs ₹300–600 per ear and diagnostic BERA in the range of ₹1,500–3,500 across providers. The same-day explained report is always included, and families travelling from other cities get scheduling priority so everything finishes in one trip — call 88776 72821 for current clinic charges — no hidden fees.

Is the OAE/BERA test safe for my baby?

Completely. There are no injections, no radiation and no discomfort — both tests simply play soft sounds and measure responses while your baby sleeps naturally.

My baby passed OAE at birth. Can hearing still go bad later?

Rarely, yes — some hearing loss develops in infancy. If your child startles less to sound, doesn't turn to your voice by 6 months, or has delayed speech, get a re-test promptly.

Do you test older children too?

Yes — we use play-based audiometry (CPA) for toddlers and standard audiometry for older children, plus CAPD assessment for school-age listening difficulties.

My hospital did OAE at birth and baby passed. Is BERA still needed?

Usually no — unless your baby has risk factors (NICU, jaundice, family history) or you notice poor sound response later. When in doubt, a repeat OAE is a quick, cheap reassurance.

Can a 3-year-old who can't sit still be tested?

Yes — we use play audiometry for cooperative toddlers and natural-sleep BERA when objective results are needed.

Does insurance cover children's hearing tests?

Many health policies cover diagnostic audiology with a paediatrician's advice note. We provide proper receipts and reports for claims.

Newborn Hearing Screening in Gandhinagar — OAE, BERA & ASSR