29/08/2025
Newborn hearing screening is a standard test done shortly after birth to check if a baby can hear properly. Early detection is very important because hearing is closely linked to speech, language, and social development.
Hearing Test for Newborns
âś… When is it done?
•Usually before hospital discharge (within the first few days of life).
•If not, it should be done within the first month.
🎧 Types of Tests:
1. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
•Small earphones and a microphone are placed in the baby’s ear.
•Soft clicking sounds are played, and the ear’s response (echo) is measured.
•Quick, painless, often just a few minutes.
2. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
•Earphones are used while small electrodes are placed on the baby’s head.
•Measures how the hearing nerve and brain respond to sounds.
•Also painless, often used if OAE results are unclear.
đź“ŠPossible Results:
•Pass: Baby’s hearing is normal at this time.
•Refer/Fail: Baby needs a repeat test or referral to a specialist (doesn’t always mean hearing loss, could be fluid in the ear, noise, or movement).
Why it matters:
Early identification allows for intervention before 6 months, which greatly improves language and developmental outcomes.
Babies who don’t pass should be followed up immediately for confirmatory testing.
Parent Reassurance:
The test is safe, quick, and does not hurt.
Even if the baby “fails” the first screen, many pass on the repeat test.
If confirmed, support services (hearing aids, speech therapy, cochlear implants) can help the child develop normally.
Have your baby's hearing test done at Heramil Hospital.
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