Your baby's hearing screening test
This leaflet can help you decide if you want your baby to have a hearing screening test.
Contents
― What is newborn hearing screening?
― Why should my baby have a hearing screening test?
― How accurate is the test?
― About the test
― Results
― Further tests
― Further information
This animation gives information on the hearing screening test that you will be offered for your baby once they are born.
What is newborn hearing screening?
All babies are offered health checks in the first few weeks of their life. One of these checks is hearing screening. Taking part is your choice. Tests used for hearing screening are quick and simple and will not harm your baby. Some babies need more than one test.
Why should my baby have a hearing screening test?
Out of 1,000 babies born, 1 or 2 will have a hearing loss.
Most of these babies will be born into families where no one else has a hearing loss.
Finding out early is important for your baby's development. This means you can get more support and information to help you and your baby.
How accurate is the test?
The test can pick up hearing loss at an early stage so that support can be given. Screening does not detect all hearing loss or prevent future hearing difficulties.
About the test
If your baby is born in hospital, we may offer you the test for your baby before you go home. If not, it can be done in the community, usually in a clinic.
A screener will carry out the test. There are two types of test that may be used. The screening test is done while your baby is settled or asleep. It will not hurt or harm your baby and only takes a few minutes. You can stay with your baby while the test is done.
A small soft-tipped earpiece is put in the outer part of your baby’s ear. This makes a clicking sound. The equipment shows the screener how your baby’s ears are responding to the sound.
If the equipment does not pick up a clear response, the screener may do a different test. Three small sticky pads are put on your baby’s head and neck. Small headphones are put over your baby’s ears, which will make a clicking sound. The equipment shows the screener how your baby’s ears are responding to the sound.
The screener will tell you the result of the test straightaway and explain if another test is needed.
Results
There are three possible results:
Clear response
Most babies have a clear response from one or both of their ears . This means your baby is unlikely to have a hearing loss. The screener will give you information on how babies respond to sound as they grow. They will tell you what to do if you are worried about your baby’s hearing.
If only one of your baby’s ears shows a clear response
Some babies show a clear response only in one ear. If this happens you may choose to have another hearing test. The screener will give you more information.
If neither of your baby’s ears shows a clear response
Some babies do not show a clear response in either of their ears. It does not always mean your baby has a hearing loss.
The screener will offer you another hearing test for your baby. They will give you more information about what happens next.
Clear responses may not be seen if:
- Your baby is unsettled;
- There is fluid in the ear (from the birth);
- There is too much noise near the baby when the test is done; or
- Your baby has a hearing loss.
Further tests
Out of 100 babies born, 1 or 2 will need more tests
If more tests are needed, an audiologist (hearing specialist) will send an appointment. This will be sent within four weeks from when you had your baby’s hearing screening result.
This allows time for your baby’s hearing to develop.
Waiting for another hearing test can be worrying. If you have any questions, you can contact newborn hearing screening or speak to your health visitor.
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: 02921 843568
South West Wales: 01792 343364
North Wales: 03000 848710
phw.newbornhearing@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.