Your baby's visit to the audiology clinic
This leaflet is for you if your baby needs another hearing test.
Contents
― Why does my baby need another hearing test?
― How likely is it that my baby has a hearing loss?
― About the test
― Results
― Further tests
― Further information
Why does my baby need another hearing test?
The screening tests did not show a clear response from one or both of your baby’s ears.
This does not necessarily mean your baby has a hearing loss.
It may be because:
- your baby was unsettled;
- there was fluid in the ear (from the birth);
- there was too much noise near your baby when the test was done; or
- your baby has a hearing loss.
It is highly recommended that your baby has a further hearing test. You can choose whether or not your baby has this test.
How likely is it that my baby has a hearing loss?
Out of 1,000 babies born, 1 or 2 will have a hearing loss in both ears.
A small number are born with a hearing loss in one ear.
Most of these babies will be born into families where no one else has a hearing loss. A baby who needed special care may be more likely to have a hearing loss.
For every 10 babies who have an audiology hearing test after newborn hearing screening, one will have a permanent hearing loss.
Finding out about hearing loss early is important for your baby’s development. This means you can get more support and information to help you and your baby.
About the test
The test will be done in a hospital clinic.
You will be sent an appointment within four weeks of your baby’s last hearing screening test.
If your baby spent time in the special care baby unit (SCBU), this appointment will be sent within eight weeks.
Babies who are born early will be tested after the date they were due to be born.
An audiologist (hearing specialist) will carry out the test. There are different tests that may be used. They will not hurt or harm your baby. The test can take up to two hours, which includes time to settle your baby. More than one appointment may be needed. You can stay with your baby while the test is done.
The audiologist may use a test where a soft-tipped earpiece is put in the outer part of your baby’s ear. This makes a clicking sound. This test is called an Automated Otoacoustic Emission (AOE).
They may do a test where small sticky pads are put on your baby’s head and behind the ears. Earphones are put into or over your baby’s ears, which will make different sounds. This test is called an Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR).
The tests show the audiologist how your baby’s ears are responding to the sound.
Results
Clear Response
If both of your baby’s ears show a clear response, this means that your baby is unlikely to have a hearing loss.
The audiologist will give you information on how babies respond to sound as they grow. They will tell you what to do if you are ever worried about your baby’s hearing.
A small soft-tipped earpiece may be put in the outer part of your baby’s ear. This will show whether there is fluid in your baby’s ear.
The test may not show a clear response
If one or both of your baby’s ears does not show a clear response, the audiologist will explain what this means.
There are different types and levels of hearing loss. More tests may be needed before you know about your baby’s hearing. These tests may be done during your firs appointment or further appointments may be needed. The audiologist will plan with you the best time for your baby to have more tests.
Further tests
There are other tests that the audiologist may do to find out more information about your baby’s ears and hearing. One of these checks to see if there is fluid in the ear. For this test, a small soft-tipped earpiece is put in the outer part of your baby’s ear and a result is recorded on a machine.
The other test checks how your baby’s inner ears are responding to sound. To do this test, a small sound maker would be placed behind your baby’s ear(s).
This can be a worrying time. The audiologist will answer any questions you have. If your baby has a hearing loss, you will be offered support and given more information.
Further information
If you have any questions about newborn hearing screening or would like information in Easy Read, British Sign Language (BSL), audio or large print, contact your local screening office or visit our website:
South East Wales: 029 2184 3568
South West Wales: 01792 343364
North Wales: 03000 848710
newborn-hearing-screening@wales.nhs.uk
www.phw.nhs.wales/newborn-hearing-screening
You can contact us in Welsh or English. It will take us the same amount of time to answer you, whichever language you choose.
For more information on how we use information about you, visit our website: www.phw.nhs.wales/privacy-notice
You can also contact the National Deaf Children’s Society. The society has a helpline for parents and families who would like information about hearing tests and any type of childhood hearing loss.
Freephone helpline: 0808 800 8880
Website: www.ndcs.org.uk