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How likely is it that my baby has a hearing loss?

One or two babies in every 1000 are born with a hearing loss in both ears. Most of these babies are born into families where no-one else has a hearing loss. A smaller number are born with a hearing loss in one ear. A baby who needed special care may be more likely to have a hearing loss.

Hearing screening tells us which babies may have a hearing loss. The screening test shows us which babies need more tests to decide if they have a hearing loss. These tests will be offered in a special hospital clinic.

Finding out early means that you and your baby get support and information right from the start.

For every 10 babies who are referred for another hearing test with an Audiologist, one will have a permanent hearing loss.