Newborn hearing screening (1895)
Key points below
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