Ms Jan Pollard1
1Sonic Equipment, Nundah, Australia
Newborn hearing screening devices are either ABR or ASSR based using specific detection algorithms. Responses to a broadband stimulus, usually Chirps, at 35 dBnHL are required for pass result. Diagnostically for babies with ANSD the ABR response is absent and occasionally better ASSR thresholds are measured, some at reasonably low intensities. Recent investigations undertaken around detection of the residual Cochlear Microphonic (CM) in addition to the actual, not estimated, ASSR thresholds considers the implication of these in relation to newborn hearing screening.
The outcome of the investigations is that for ASSR-based newborn hearing screening that a false pass caused by CM residuals for babies with ANSD can be ruled out. In addition to this the a low level broadband Chirp stimulus (35dBnHL) used in newborn screening devices would not have elicited a pass response in the cases cited as showing low ASSR thresholds using diagnostic narrowband stimulation. The use of ASSR is appropriate for newborn hearing screening.
Biography:
Jan Pollard
BSc(Hons), MEd, Dip Aud, PstGradHealthAdmin, AAudA, FACAud
Email: janp@soniceq.com
Jan holds the position of Chief Audiologist at Sonic Equipment and the role includes the provision of training across the full range of diagnostic and screening audiological equipment. Of importance is her technical and training support for newborn hearing screening programs in NZ, NSW, SA, TAS and the ACT. In addition she is also the Clinical Graduate Program Manager for interns at Audika.