03/03/2026
Every newborn baby in the UK is offered a newborn hearing screening test - here’s what you need to know as a parent.
Around 1-2 in every 1,000 babies are born with permanent hearing loss in one or both ears. This increases to around 1 in 100 babies who have spent more than 48 hours in neonatal intensive care.
Most babies with hearing loss are born into families with no history of hearing problems. That’s why this screening matters.
The newborn hearing test helps identify permanent hearing loss as early as possible, so families can access the right support, advice and treatment from the very beginning. Early diagnosis gives babies the very best chance to develop speech, language and communication skills, and to build strong bonds with the people around them.
If you give birth in hospital, the test is usually offered before you go home. If you have a home birth, or leave hospital quickly, a healthcare professional or health visitor will arrange it within the first few weeks.
The test is quick, safe and painless. A small soft earpiece is placed in your baby’s ear and gentle clicking sounds are played. The equipment measures how your baby’s ears respond to the sounds.
The test only takes a few minutes and most babies sleep through it.
Most babies will get a clear result straight away. Some babies will need another test, which doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a hearing problem, it can happen if your baby is unsettled, there’s fluid in the ear, or there was background noise during the test.
If further checks are needed, you’ll be referred to a specialist audiology team for more detailed assessments.
Screening is your choice, but it’s offered because early identification can make a huge difference.
If you’re expecting or have recently welcomed your baby, it’s completely normal to have questions about all the newborn checks. Being informed helps you feel confident in those early days.
