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This short video explains screening for hearing loss in newborn babies.

1. Purpose of screening

We offer this screening to find babies who have a hearing loss so that care, support and advice can be offered right from the start.

2. About this condition

One to 2 babies in every 1,000 are born with a permanent hearing loss in one or both ears. This number increases to about 1 in every 100 babies (1%) who have spent at least 48 hours in a special care unit. Most of these babies are born into families with no history of hearing loss.

Permanent hearing loss can significantly affect a baby’s development. Finding hearing loss early gives babies a better chance of developing language, speech and communication skills. It helps make sure their families receive the support they need. It will help babies make the most of relationships with their family and carers from an early age.

3. The screening test

The newborn hearing screening test will be offered to your baby either in hospital before discharge, or when you are at home. Alternatively, you will be invited to attend a clinic appointment. Ideally, the screening test should be done in the first 4 weeks, but it can be done at any time up to 3 months of age.

The screening test, called the AOAE (automated otoacoustic emission), takes a few minutes. A small earpiece with a soft tip is placed in your baby’s ear and soft clicking sounds are played. When an ear receives sound, the inner part (called the cochlea) responds. This can be picked up by the screening equipment.

It is not always possible to get clear responses from the first screening test. This does not necessarily mean your baby has a hearing loss. It can mean:

• your baby was unsettled when the test was done
• there was background noise
• your baby has fluid or a temporary blockage in their ear – this is very common and passes with time
• your baby has a hearing loss

If your baby does not get a clear response, they will be offered another screening test. This may be the same as the first screening test, or another type of test called the AABR (automated auditory brainstem response) test.

This involves 3 small sensors being placed on your baby’s forehead, back of the neck and shoulder. Soft headphones are placed over your baby’s ears and soft clicking sounds are played. The screening equipment will be able to tell if your baby’s hearing nerve responds to the sounds. This will help us find out whether your baby has hearing loss or not.

This screening test may take up to 15 minutes. Your baby needs to be settled or asleep.

4. Safety of the test

There are no risks associated with having this screening test.

5. Screening is your choice

This screening test is recommended for your baby. Finding hearing loss early is important for your baby’s development.

6. Not having the test

If you decide not to have the newborn hearing screening test, you will be given checklists to help you check on your baby’s hearing as they grow older. If you have any concerns you should speak to your health visitor or GP.

7. Possible results

If your baby has a clear response in both ears, then they are unlikely to have a permanent hearing loss. However, newborn hearing screening does not pick up all types of hearing loss. Also, children can develop hearing loss later on. It is important to check your child’s hearing as they grow up. The checklist in your baby’s personal child health record (‘red book’) tells you how to do this. If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing tell your health visitor or GP.

If the screening test results do not show a clear response from one or both of your baby’s ears, an audiology appointment will be made with a hearing specialist.

Your baby should be seen by a hearing specialist within 4 weeks of the screening test.

It is very important you bring your baby to the audiology appointment. This is because if they do have a hearing loss, they may need other tests to find a possible cause. These tests need to be performed within the first few weeks of birth.

About 2 to 3 babies in every 100 (2 to 3%) do not show a clear response on the screening tests.

About 1 in 15 babies (7%) tested at the audiology clinic have a permanent hearing loss in one or both ears. Some may have a temporary hearing loss.

8. Getting my results

You will be given your baby’s results as soon as the hearing screening test is done.