Newborn Screening & Genetic Services

If your baby did not pass a hearing screening, you might have some questions.  Please see below for the answers to some of the more frequently asked questions that parents have.

Some babies may need another test because of:

• Fluid in the ear
• Noise in the testing room
• Baby was moving a lot
• Baby has hearing loss

If your baby does not pass a hearing screening, make sure he or she is tested again as soon as possible.  Most babies who need another hearing test have normal hearing, but some will have hearing loss. 

Testing is the only way to know if your baby has a hearing loss. The earlier a hearing loss in one or both ears is found, the better it is for the baby. If your baby has a hearing loss, there are many ways we can help.

Finding hearing loss early can make a big difference in your baby’s life.

An audiologist (a hearing specialist) will test your baby's hearing and will then explain the results to you along with any recommendations for folllow up if needed.  Some babies will need additional testing, so you may be asked to bring your baby back to the audiologist on a different day.  If your baby needs more testing, be sure to get it done as soon as possible.

Yes, some babies hear well enough to pass the first test, but lose their hearing later because of:

• Some illnesses
• Some medicines
• Some injuries   
• A family history of hearing loss

Watch for signs of hearing loss as your baby grows.  Use this checklist as a guide. If you have questions about your baby’s hearing, talk to your baby’s health professional.