Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

If an infant refers twice on an Auditory Brainstem Response test (ABR), when should they have a full auditory diagnostic evaluation?

1. By 2 months of age

2. By 3 months of age

3. By 4 months of age

4. By 6 months of age

The correct answer is: By 3 months of age

When an infant fails the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test on two occasions, it is critical to conduct a full auditory diagnostic evaluation promptly to address potential hearing issues. The recommended time frame for this evaluation is ideally by 3 months of age. This timeline aligns with the guidelines set forth by organizations such as the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, which emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention for hearing loss to support optimal language development and social interaction. Having the evaluation completed by 3 months allows for timely identification of any auditory deficits and facilitates early intervention services if needed. Catching hearing loss early can significantly impact the infant's developmental trajectory in communication and related areas. Delaying this evaluation beyond this point may hinder the child’s ability to develop critical auditory and language skills. While guidelines do recommend subsequent steps to be taken by a certain age, the best practice is to ensure that an infant receives a full auditory diagnostic evaluation as soon as possible, ideally by the age of 3 months. This is to ensure any potential deficits can be managed early on, reducing the risk of long-term developmental delays associated with hearing loss.