Get clear, parent-friendly guidance on when newborn hearing screening is done, what happens during screening, what results can mean, and what to do next if your baby passed, did not pass, or needs follow-up.
We’ll use your baby’s newborn hearing screening experience to provide personalized guidance about results, repeat screening, and follow-up steps before or after discharge.
Newborn hearing screening is a routine check used to look for possible hearing differences soon after birth. It is usually done before discharge from the hospital, though some babies are screened later if needed. The screening is quick, gentle, and designed to identify babies who may need repeat screening or follow-up. A result of "did not pass" does not automatically mean a baby has hearing loss, but it does mean timely follow-up is important.
In many cases, newborn hearing screening is done before discharge from the hospital. If it was not completed then, your baby may need an outpatient appointment soon after going home.
Your baby usually rests quietly while a trained professional uses small sensors or soft ear pieces to measure how the ears and hearing system respond to sound.
Results may show that your baby passed, did not pass, or needs the screening repeated. Each result points to a different next step, and follow-up timing matters.
A passed newborn hearing screening is reassuring, but parents should still watch hearing and speech milestones as their baby grows and bring up any concerns with their pediatrician.
If your baby did not pass the newborn hearing screening, fluid in the ears, movement, noise, or other temporary factors may have affected the result. It means follow-up is needed, not that hearing loss is confirmed.
Sometimes the screening cannot be completed or needs to be repeated because the baby was awake, fussy, or the reading was unclear. A repeat screening helps get a more reliable result.
If possible, write down whether your baby passed, did not pass, or needs repeat screening, along with the date and where it was done.
If follow-up was recommended, try to arrange it as soon as possible. Early follow-up helps avoid delays in understanding your baby’s hearing needs.
Answering a few questions can help you understand what your baby’s screening status may mean and what to ask at the next appointment.
Yes. Newborn hearing screening is often done before discharge from the hospital. If it was missed or could not be completed, your baby may need screening soon after leaving the hospital.
The screening is typically quick and painless. Your baby may wear small ear pieces or have sensors placed gently on the skin while sounds and responses are measured during rest or sleep.
A result of did not pass means your baby needs repeat screening or further follow-up. It does not automatically mean permanent hearing loss. Many babies who do not pass the first screening have normal hearing on follow-up.
A passed result means your baby’s screening did not show signs of a hearing problem at that time. Continue to monitor hearing, communication, and developmental milestones, and discuss any concerns with your pediatrician.
Follow-up should happen promptly if your baby did not pass or if the screening was incomplete. Your care team can tell you the recommended timing, but earlier follow-up helps keep care on track.
Answer a few questions to better understand your baby’s newborn hearing screening status, what the results may mean, and what follow-up steps may be appropriate.
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