What is a newborn hearing screening?

• The newborn hearing screening is a test used to check your baby’s hearing.
• The hearing test is safe and does not hurt your baby. Most babies sleep through it.

Why was my baby’s hearing tested?

• Every baby must have a newborn hearing screening. It is the law.
• Newborn hearing loss is a common problem.
• The first years of your baby’s life are the most important for learning speech and language. If they can’t hear, they may not learn to speak.
• Testing allows hearing loss to be found early.

How is the test done?

• Stickers (sensors) are put on your baby’s head, shoulder, and neck.
• A soft earphone that makes quiet sounds is put over your baby’s ear.
• The sensors read the responses of your baby’s hearing nerve.

What does the hearing screen tell us?

• The hearing screen looks for a mild hearing loss or greater.
• It is not a diagnosis.

For more health and wellness information check out this resource:https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents