The voice test for newborn hearing screening

Abstract

Objectives. The goal of the study is to find a reasonable alternative test that can be utilized in the Philippine setting to operationalize the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Act. Thus the components of the Voice Test were studied. The objectives of the study are to determine: (1) which of the two words "Baah" and "Psst" is better for newborn hearing screening procedure as far as their physical characteristics are concerned, (2) how do the two words "Baah" and Psst" differ between genders and distance from sound source, (3) to determine the proportion of the participants who could recite the words at intensity of 80db or louder. Methods. Frequency characteristics and sound intensity differences of two words "Baah" and 'Psst" were determined and compared. Results. The word "Baah" exhibited more favorable physical attributes over the word 'Psst" for purposes of being a screening tool for newborn hearing assessment. Conclusion. This study reports the results of an initial step in the search for an inexpensive, feasible, and valid tool for neonatal hearing screening. Correlation studies with speech developmental milestones may eventually enhance the usefulness of the voice test.