Hearing plays an important role in your baby’s early speech, language, learning, and social development. Newborn hearing screening is a quick and non-invasive way to check whether your baby is responding to sounds appropriately and to identify babies who may need further hearing assessment.
At Golden Hearing & Balance Center in Woodbridge, Vaughan, we provide newborn and infant hearing screening using objective testing methods such as otoacoustic emissions (OAE).
Why Is Newborn Hearing Screening Important?
Some babies are born with hearing loss even when there are no obvious signs or family history of hearing problems. A baby may appear to respond normally to loud sounds while still having a hearing difficulty.
Early identification is important because hearing is closely connected to the development of speech and language.
The earlier a significant hearing loss is identified, the sooner parents and healthcare professionals can determine the appropriate next steps.
When Should a Baby Have a Hearing Screening?
Ideally, newborn hearing screening is completed before the baby leaves the hospital or within the first few weeks of life.
If your baby was not screened in the hospital, or if you are unsure whether a screening was completed, you can arrange a newborn hearing screening with an audiologist.
What Happens During a Newborn Hearing Screening?
Newborn hearing screening is generally comfortable for babies and does not require the baby to respond or communicate.
One commonly used method is Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing.
During an OAE test:
- A small soft probe is placed in your baby’s ear canal.
- The equipment presents gentle sounds to the ear.
- The system measures the response produced by the inner ear, specifically the cochlea.
- The test is quick and non-invasive.
- Your baby does not need to actively respond to the sounds.
For the best results, babies are usually tested while they are sleeping or calm.
What Does “Pass” or “Refer” Mean?
Newborn hearing screening is a screening test, not a diagnostic hearing evaluation.
If your baby passes the screening, it means the baby’s hearing responses were consistent with the screening criteria at the time of testing.
If your baby does not pass or receives a “refer” result, this does not necessarily mean that your baby has hearing loss.
Several temporary factors can affect the screening result, including:
- Fluid or debris in the ear canal
- Vernix or other material remaining after birth
- Baby movement or crying
- Background noise
- Middle-ear fluid
When a baby does not pass the initial screening, a repeat screening may be recommended. If the baby does not pass the follow-up screening, a comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessment, which may include an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test, may be recommended.
What If My Baby Does Not Pass the Hearing Screening?
If your baby does not pass the screening, try not to panic. A “refer” result means that additional testing is needed.
Your audiologist can discuss the result with you and recommend the appropriate follow-up based on your baby’s age, medical history, screening results, and risk factors.
Prompt follow-up is important because, when hearing loss is present, early identification and intervention can make an important difference in a child’s communication and development.
Newborn Hearing Screening in Woodbridge & Vaughan
At Golden Hearing & Balance Center, we understand that having a newborn undergo a hearing test can be stressful for parents. Our goal is to make the screening process as comfortable and straightforward as possible while clearly explaining the results and recommended next steps.
If your baby has not yet had a newborn hearing screening, or if you have questions about a previous screening result, contact our audiology clinic in Woodbridge, Vaughan to discuss your baby’s hearing needs.
Book a Newborn Hearing Screening
Early hearing screening is a simple step that can provide valuable information about your baby’s hearing.
Golden Hearing & Balance Center
Suite 210 – 4600 Highway 7 West
Woodbridge, ON L4L 4Y7
Phone: 647-847-1991
Website: goldenhearing.ca