How to perform the Distraction Hearing Test - Neonatal Hearing Testing

This video demonstrates how to conduct a basic distraction hearing test, using the WHO Primary Ear Care Guidelines.

The video is owned by Mr. Misha Verkerk. Mr. Misha Verkerk is a specialist registrar in ENT surgery. Mr. Mahmood Bhutta is a consultant ENT surgeon. Dr. James O'Donovan is a medical SHO.

For the purposes of demonstration a toy doll was used. This video is intended for demonstration purposes only.

The distraction test is ideally used for babies who are developmentally six to eight months old (although it can be used from six months to 24 months of age by experienced testers), and assesses the ability of the baby to hear a sound then turn to locate it.

The sounds are produced to the right or left behind the baby out of their field of view. Various sound stimuli are used such as rattles, voice, drum and warble tones. The loudness of the sounds produced are varied to try and establish the minimum level that the baby is able to hear.