Newborn Hearing Screening FAQs

Why is newborn hearing screening important?

Hearing loss affects a child’s ability to develop speech and language. The earlier the hearing loss is identified, the sooner hearing aids can be provided. Early identification allows parents to consider the choice of communication options right away, for example sign language or oral communication, or a combination of both. Early intervention programs can help babies make the most of the information they receive from their hearing aids and can assist families in choosing communication options for their child. If the loss is very severe and hearing aids aren’t sufficient to provide enough auditory information, early identification and amplification can help the child qualify for cochlear implantation at the earliest possible opportunity.

If my baby passed the screening in the hospital, does that mean I can be confident his hearing is normal?

Most babies who pass newborn screening do have normal hearing.  There is, though, a possibility that he could have a very mild hearing loss and still pass the screen, or that he could develop hearing loss later on.

What should I do if I suspect my child has a hearing loss, even though she passed the screening?

See an audiologist, or see your child’s doctor and ask for a referral to an audiologist who can perform a complete assessment. 

If my baby did not pass the screening in the hospital, does that mean she needs hearing aids?

Not necessarily.  Follow-up testing could show that your baby’s hearing is, in fact normal. Or the condition that caused her to not pass the hospital screen resolved on its own, or is treatable medically. This is why no determination is made based on a single screening. The possibility that she needs hearing aids, though, is the reason that further testing is essential.

Should some children have hearing testing performed later, even if they pass the newborn screening?

If there is a history of childhood hearing loss in your family, or your child or any other family members have a condition that is known to include hearing loss as one possible feature, you would be wise to have your child tested at regular intervals.   Remember that ANY time you suspect your child is not hearing normally, you should see your audiologist, or see your doctor and ask for a referral to an audiologist