Families EHDI

Why is newborn hearing screening important?

Newborn hearing screening is the first step in determining how your baby hears. Hearing loss is one of the most common birth defects. Each ear 12,000 infants are born deaf or hard of hearing. When left undetected a hearing loss can delay speech and language development as well as thinking, learning and social skills.

How is newborn hearing screening done?

Newborn hearing screening is painless and takes about 15 minutes. It should be done while your baby is asleep in a quite environment. A computer-based screener is used to record each ears response to sound. The computer-based screener automatically gives a pass or did not pass result and does not require your baby to respond. There are two ways to screen a baby:

• Automated Brainstem Response (ABR)
  Three sensors are placed on your baby’s head and soft sounds are presented through earphones
• OtoAcoustic Emissions (OAE)
  Soft sounds are presented through foam tips which are placed in your baby’s ears.

What do the newborn hearing screening results mean?

• Pass means that your baby has adequate hearing at the time of the screening. Some babies who pass the screening may require further testing due to family history or medical condition.

How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about your child’s development including hearing.

If at any time you have concerns about your child’s hearing, ask the doctor for a hearing screening as soon as possible.

Fact sheet for hearing loss concerns

• Did Not Pass means that your baby did not pass the screening. If your baby did not pass the screening, a second screening will be done. If your baby does not pass or “refers” on the second screening, your baby will to be scheduled for a diagnostic hearing test with an audiologist. The audiologist will be able to determine if there is a hearing loss.

If your baby did not pass the newborn hearing screen he or she will need additional hearing testing to determine if there is a hearing loss. Some babies who do not pass the hearing screening will have normal hearing and others will have temporary or permanent hearing loss. Diagnostic testing will determine how your baby hears.

What is the next step?

The next step is to schedule a diagnostic appointment. New Hampshire Early Detection and Intervention Program has identified diagnostic centers that have specialized audiologists and the equipment needed for testing babies.

What happens during the audiology appointment?

Your baby will have a series of test that are painless. The testing equipment is sensitive to movement and noise so your baby will need to be asleep to get good results. The equipment automatically records hearing levels and does not require your baby to respond. The amount of time needed to complete the test will vary from 1 ½ -3 hours. You will be with your baby throughout the testing.

The audiologist will talk with you about the results the day of the testing. If your baby did not sleep well or testing could not be completed, an additional appointment may be needed.

How to prepare for the appointment

Your baby will need to sleep during most of the testing. It will help if your baby is hungry and tired before the appointment. To help prepare your baby consider the following:

• Bring bottles, blanket, and diapers to keep your baby comfortable
• Keep your baby wake before the appointment
• Wait to feed your baby until you’re in the testing room
• Follow instructions given by the audiologist.

To reach the Early Hearing Detection Intervention Program coordinator call (603) 848-9400 or (603) 271-1037.