Newborn hearing test
Approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 newborns have severe hearing loss. Starting treatment and support as early as possible is crucial for their development. Hearing screening tests can detect babies with hearing loss within the first few weeks of life.
When is a hearing test performed?
You will be offered a hearing screening test for your baby within the first few weeks of life—from 12 hours of age. The hearing test is usually performed before you leave the maternity unit. In some areas, it will be performed at home.
Your midwife or examiner will be able to tell you where and when the screening test will be performed. If your baby's hearing has not been tested, ask your child's health nurse, midwife, local audiology department, or family doctor to arrange an appointment.
What does the examination include?
A trained audiologist performs a hearing screening test. Two main tests are performed to screen a newborn:
ABR (auditory brainstem response) – A testing device is attached to your child's forehead, back of neck, and behind their shoulder, using adhesive pads. Small earphone "cups" are then placed over your child's ears. The earphones make soft clicking sounds, and the wires measure your child's ear response.
OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) - A small, soft-tipped hearing aid is placed in the outer part of your child's ear, which sends clicking sounds down the ear. When the ear receives sound, the inner part, known as the cochlea, normally produces an echo. Screening equipment can pick up the response.
These tests only take a few minutes and are harmless to your child. Hearing screening is usually performed while your child is asleep or sedentary. You can stay with your child during the screening test.
When will I know the results?
You will receive the results as soon as the test is complete. The results will be recorded in your child's personal health record book, sometimes called the "Green Book," "Red Book," or "Blue Book" in some states.
What do these results mean?
If the hearing test shows a clear response from both of your child's ears, it is unlikely that your child has a hearing loss.
Some children require a second test to achieve a clear result. A "referral" result requires a repeat hearing screen within a few weeks. This does not necessarily mean your child has a hearing problem.
The initial screen result can be affected by:
- Fluids or other materials that entered the ear canal during birth
- temporary middle ear fluid
- The area where the screen appears is too noisy, or your baby is very restless.
- It is very difficult to know how well a young child can hear by observing their behavior, so it is important that hearing screening is done frequently.
If your child does not pass the second hearing test, they will be referred to a pediatric audiologist to test for a hearing problem.
An audiologist will see your child as soon as possible if they don't pass the hearing screening in both ears. If your child passes the hearing screening in only one ear, the audiologist will see your child at about two to three months of age, or sooner if possible.
An audiologist will perform a complete hearing assessment. If there is a hearing problem, the tests will also reveal whether it is likely temporary or permanent, and your child will receive appropriate treatment and support.
What if I refuse to take the test?
Parents may refuse consent to a newborn hearing screening. This will be recorded in your child's personal health record. You will also be asked to sign a form confirming your refusal when the screen is displayed.
You should still receive information about the screen and why it is important even if you choose not to have your child screened.
If you are concerned about your child's hearing development or future speech and language development, please arrange for your child's hearing to be tested. Ask your family doctor for a referral to an appropriate service to screen your child's hearing. Hearing can be tested at any age.