Quick Search

Babies learn by listening. The most important years for speech and language development are birth to three years of age. Since babies cannot tell us that they cannot hear, a hearing loss can go unnoticed. If a child is unable to hear normally, speech and language may not develop normally. Hearing problems are the most common birth defect. Six out of 1000 babies are born with some type of hearing problem, but it's one of the most treatable birth defects. Finding hearing loss early helps to give your child the special attention needed to develop language skills. It also aids in social, emotional, and educational development.

Trained staff members of the hospital use a procedure called Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR). The screener sends sounds through small earphones which are placed over each ear. Small sensors which are attached to your baby's skin pick up your baby's response from the brain to the sounds he/she hears. Your baby's response to the sounds are analyzed by the screener. The results are either a PASS or REFER. The test is done in the baby's crib in a quiet room near the nursery.

What does PASS/REFER mean? A result of pass can be an indication of normal hearing. A refer means additional testing is needed. Many things can cause this result and it doesn't mean there is a problem. Since this is only a screening, it may not identify very mild hearing loss.

An audiologist oversees the hospital's newborn hearing screen program and is available for consultation to answer any questions or concerns. You may also discuss any questions with your pediatrician or you may call the Children's Special Health Services Helpline at 1-800-737-3028 or you may call a State Affiliated agency called Beginnings at 1-800-541-HEAR.