The brainstem auditory evoked potential is a useful diagnostic tool in evaluating risk factors for hearing loss in neonatology.

Fourteen of 100 babies in an intensive care nursery showed abnormal BAEPs. An analysis of the clinical records identified nine risk factors. Neonatal asphyxia appeared to be associated with hearing loss only when repeated episodes of acidosis accompanied it. We conclude that the BAEPs can identify hard-of-hearing babies and estimate the type and amount of peripheral hearing loss. Prolonged perfusion of the cochlea with blood low in pH level may be the most common cause of hearing disorder in our group of nine risk factors.