What is the most appropriate diagnostic evaluation for an infant suspected of hearing loss?

Auditory-evoked potentials (AEP) are the most appropriate diagnostic evaluation for an infant suspected of hearing loss due to their ability to assess the function of the auditory pathways from the ear through the brainstem. This technique measures the brain's electrical activity in response to sound stimuli, which provides objective data on the infant's hearing ability. AEP is particularly useful in infants who cannot participate in behavioral testing, such as traditional audiometry, making it an excellent choice for early diagnosis of hearing impairment.

Using AEP allows clinicians to detect hearing loss as early as possible, which is critical for timely intervention and language development. This method is non-invasive and can be conducted while the infant is asleep, ensuring comfort and ease of use in the pediatric population.

Other options, while relevant in assessing hearing, are often not suitable for very young children. Audiometry typically requires the subject to respond actively and participate, which can be challenging for infants. Tympanometry assesses the movement of the tympanic membrane and middle ear function but does not provide direct information on the integrity of the auditory pathway. Acoustic reflectometry measures sound reflection in the ear canal, mainly used for screening purposes rather than definitive diagnosis. Thus, AEP emerges as the optimal choice for diagnosing hearing