What is a hearing screening?
A hearing screening is a safe, painless, and quick test that is performed while the newborn is sleeping. This test checks to see how well your baby’s hearing responds to different sounds. Your baby will either pass or refer (need more testing) in one or both ears. Results are often available before hospital discharge.
- Not all babies pass the hearing screening the first time.
- If your baby does not pass the first hearing screening, additional screenings may be completed at the hospital before discharge.
- If your baby does not pass the final hearing screening, additional hearing testing is necessary before your baby is 3 months old.