I would like to know the appropriate age for doing OAE in neonates for hearing screening. We have recently started cheking neonates in nicu and normal neonates in postnatal wards for hearing by oae.The person who checks fpr oae will do for all neonates in nsy irrespective of age, as early as 6 hrs of age. I have noted that at age <24 hours more reports are interpreted as refer than when done later.

I came to know that right age for normal vaginal births is >24hrs nd cesarian births>48 hrs of age.

What is the practice at other units and what is the most suitable time for doing oae

All our OAEs are done by an assisting nurse at the maternity ward. For well infants cared for in the maternity unit, it is done at after 72h postnatal age.

Infants in the NICU are checked before discharge, at least 24 hours after removal of the nasogastr tube.