A Parent's Guide to Newborn Hearing Screenings

Newborn hearing screenings are quick, painless tests performed shortly after birth to detect potential hearing loss in infants. Approximately one to three babies per 1,000 are born with some degree of hearing loss, making early detection essential for your child's speech, language, and cognitive development. The screening takes just a few minutes and helps identify issues before they impact your baby's ability to learn and communicate.

Why Newborn Hearing Screenings Matter

Your baby learns about the world through sound from their very first days. Those coos, lullabies, and conversations you share build the foundation for how your child will communicate and connect with others throughout their life.

Early identification and treatment of hearing loss can dramatically improve outcomes for children. When we catch hearing issues in the first months, children develop speech and language skills right alongside their peers. This is why we screen newborns before they leave the hospital or birthing center.

The benefits reach far beyond words and sentences. Children who receive early support for hearing loss form strong bonds with family members, jump into activities with enthusiasm, and build genuine confidence as they discover their world. They participate fully in the daily joy and chaos of family life.

Understanding the Screening Process

The newborn hearing screening fits seamlessly into those first precious days with your baby. Your little one can sleep through the entire test, and many do. We use Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing, which measures how the inner ear responds to sound.

We place a small, soft probe in your baby's ear canal during the test. This probe plays gentle clicking sounds and measures the echo that bounces back from the inner ear. When a baby has normal hearing, the inner ear produces a measurable echo in response to sound.

The screening takes just a few minutes per ear and causes no discomfort. Most babies don't stir at all. There are no needles, no invasive procedures—just a quiet moment while we gather important information about your baby's hearing.

Interpreting Your Baby's Results

Screening results come back as either "pass" or "refer." Let's walk through what each means for your family.

A "pass" result tells you that your baby's hearing appears normal based on the screening. Both ears are responding appropriately to sound, and no immediate follow-up is needed. You can check this important milestone off your list and focus on all the other adventures of new parenthood. We do recommend staying aware of your child's hearing development as they grow, since some types of hearing loss can appear later.

A "refer" result simply means we need another look to get a clearer picture. Here's the reassuring part: this doesn't mean your baby has hearing loss. Background noise in the room, natural movement during the test, or fluid in the ear canal from birth can all affect results. Many babies don't pass the first screening for completely temporary reasons.

If you see a "refer" result, take a breath. We'll schedule a follow-up screening. Most babies who are referred for additional testing turn out to have perfectly normal hearing.

What Happens After a "Refer" Result

When your newborn doesn't pass the initial screening, we typically repeat the test before you head home or within the next few days. Many babies sail through the second screening once any temporary factors have cleared up.

If the second screening also shows a "refer" result, we connect you with a pediatric audiologist for a comprehensive evaluation. This thorough assessment uses specialized testing methods designed specifically for infants to determine whether hearing loss exists and what type it might be.

A pediatric audiologist conducts this evaluation with equipment made for tiny ears. They test each ear separately and identify specific frequencies where hearing might need support. This detailed picture helps create the right plan if your baby does need intervention.

We know waiting for these additional tests can feel heavy. You might find yourself watching your baby sleep and worrying about what comes next. Here's what helps: the screening process is intentionally cautious. We'd rather check twice and find everything is fine than miss a child who needs support. Many families who go through additional testing receive wonderful news—their baby's hearing is just fine.

When Hearing Loss Is Confirmed

If testing shows that your baby has hearing loss, you're not alone in this. A whole team of caring professionals stands ready to support your family from day one.

Intervention can begin in the first few months of life. Treatment varies based on what type of hearing loss your baby has and how it affects their hearing. Some babies thrive with hearing aids, while others benefit from different approaches. Your audiologist will sit down with you, answer all your questions, and help you understand the options available for your child.

Children who receive early intervention services develop language skills that match their hearing peers. These programs support your whole family, teaching you natural ways to encourage language development and communication in your daily routines. You'll learn how to read to your baby, play games that build language, and create a rich sound environment that helps them flourish.

Parents often tell us that once intervention begins, they see their child blossom in ways they couldn't have imagined. Your baby will still reach for your face, laugh at silly sounds, and babble back when you talk to them. They'll just have the support they need to hear it all clearly.

Monitoring Hearing After a Passed Screening

Your baby passing the newborn hearing screening is great news. You can relax about those first critical weeks. That said, staying aware of hearing health matters as your child grows.

Some types of hearing loss show up later in infancy or childhood. Ear infections, certain illnesses, some medications, or genetic factors can affect hearing after birth. Keeping an eye on your child's developmental milestones gives you a helpful roadmap.

By three months, babies startle at loud sounds and perk up when they recognize your voice. By six months, they turn their head toward interesting sounds and start experimenting with babbling—those adorable "ba-ba-ba" and "da-da-da" sequences. At one year, most children turn when you call their name and use a few simple words.

If something seems off with these milestones, or if your gut tells you something isn't quite right, reach out to an audiologist. You know your child better than anyone. Trust that instinct.

The Role of Audiologists in Newborn Hearing Care

Audiologists focus their entire careers on understanding hearing at every age and stage. When a baby needs follow-up after the initial screening, an audiologist steps in to conduct the detailed diagnostic evaluation that gives you clear answers.

For children with hearing loss, audiologists become long-term partners in your child's development. They fit and adjust hearing aids as your baby grows, track hearing over time, and work alongside speech-language pathologists and early intervention specialists. This team approach wraps your family in comprehensive support.

We bring our services right to your home, which means you can stay in your comfortable space during those early weeks when venturing out feels overwhelming. You can feed your baby when they're hungry, change them when needed, and relax in your own environment while we handle the screening.

Schedule Your Baby's Hearing Screening

At Attentus Hearing Care, we provide newborn hearing screenings in your home throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties. Dr. Abby Holauchock brings specialized expertise in pediatric audiology right to your door, turning this important screening into a calm, convenient experience for your whole family.

We get it—those early weeks with a newborn are a beautiful blur of feedings, diaper changes, and trying to rest whenever possible. Our mobile audiology services mean you don't need to pack up your baby, wrestle with a car seat, or sit in a waiting room. You can stay home in your pajamas if you want. We'll come to you.

Whether you need an initial screening, follow-up testing, or a comprehensive evaluation, we support your family's hearing health from day one. Call us at 267-669-1345 to schedule your baby's hearing screening or ask any questions about pediatric hearing care. We're here to help, and we're looking forward to meeting your little one.