BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

Doctors Should Use This Hearing Test to Help Detect Autism at Birth, Research Says

This simple test can be used as a screening tool for your little one.
save article
profile picture of Stephanie Grassullo
By Stephanie Grassullo, Contributing Writer
Updated January 9, 2019
newborn baby touching his ear
Image: iStock

Acoustic reflex testing may be a helpful screening tool for early detection and diagnosis of autism, according to recent research published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

The researchers say there is a strong connection between auditory dysfunction and autism, suggesting hearing issues identified at birth can be indicators on whether or not the child should be monitored for autism.

“We know the vast majority of people with autism have some type of hearing problem connected to abnormalities in the brain,” says Randy Kulesza, Jr., PhD. “That means these issues will be present and detectable at birth.”

While Kulesza points out the vast majority of people with autism have hearing issues, he also stresses not everyone with a hearing issue has autism. But early detection would benefit all.

“Especially early in life, the brain is very plastic, meaning the right early interventions can literally train out those deficits. The person might not be perfectly neuro-typical but such interventions can improve function,” says Kulesza.

“Often, people with autism suffer from hypersensitivity, meaning even relatively quiet sounds can feel like overwhelming noise,” Kulesza explains. “If parents and physicians understand that from the start, they can work to acclimate the child’s sensitivity and make his or her experience of the world much less intense and frightening.”

Newborn babies currently have their hearing tested, but Kulesza says those tests don’t do enough and only assess whether a baby can hear on a pass/fail basis. He urges doctors to use a type of hearing testing, known as acoustic reflex testing, to measure the sensitivity and response time to a wide range of frequencies.

While there are clear connections between autism spectrum disorders and auditory dysfunction, more research is needed to understand the most effective way to employ interventions for those with hearing issues.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

comfi baby infant walkers recall
The CPSC Asks Parents to Stop Using Comfi Baby Infant Walkers
By Wyndi Kappes
Fisher Price Little People Mickey and Friends Figures recall due to choking hazard
Fisher-Price Recalls Little People Mickey and Friends Figures
By Wyndi Kappes
young child holding gummies
Study Finds 420% Uptick in Child ER Visits Due to Melatonin Poisoning
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
jool baby nova infant swing recall 2024
Why Jool Baby Is Recalling Its Nova Baby Swings
By Wyndi Kappes
happy mom holding baby during winter in the snow
11 Essential Winter Safety Tips for Baby
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
lovevery slide and seek ball runs recall
Lovevery Recalls 47,000 Slide & Seek Ball Runs Due to Choking Hazard
By Wyndi Kappes
laundry detergent pods poison risk for children
Detergent Pods Remain Significant Threat to Kids, Study Shows
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Baby Walkers-hero
Are Baby Walkers Safe? Here’s the Deal
By Christin Perry
toddler climbing up stairs in home
8 Baby Safety Myths Busted by Pediatricians
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
toddler opening christmas gifts on christmas morning
Doctor's Viral Video Reveals Top 5 Gifts That Land Kids in the ER
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Bugaboo Dragonfly Seat Strollers recall
Bugaboo Recalls Dragonfly Seat Strollers Due to Injury Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
mother kissing baby's face while sitting on grass outside
When Can Newborns Go Outside?
Medically Reviewed by Loretta Cody, MD
baby wearing a santa hat playing with christmas tree ornaments
14 Need-to-Know Holiday Safety Tips
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
family opening christmas presents
This Toy Was Responsible for the Most ER Visits Last Year
By Wyndi Kappes
father buckling baby into car seat in the car
Can You Uber With Baby? What to Know When Ridesharing With Little Ones
Fact Checked by Denise Porretto
little sleepies loveys and bandana recall 2023
Little Sleepies Recalls 450,000 Sleepyhead Loveys and Bandana Bibs
By Wyndi Kappes
Best Kids Sunglasses Hero
14 Kids’ Sunglasses They’ll Wear Everywhere This Summer
By Megan Cahn
ADVERTISEMENT
chuckle and roar water bead activity kits recall 2023
Popular Water Bead Activity Kit Sold at Target Has Been Recalled
By Wyndi Kappes
mother and baby crawling on floor at home
It’s Baby Safety Month: Here Are All the Sales You Don’t Wanna Miss
By Wyndi Kappes
dad strapping baby into rocker
CPSC Members Propose New Safety Rules for Baby Rockers After Deaths
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.