Whether your baby passed, needs a repeat newborn hearing screening, or you are waiting for follow-up, get clear next-step guidance based on your baby’s situation before or after discharge.
Share what happened with the screening and we’ll provide personalized guidance on common next steps, follow-up timing, and what parents often need to ask before leaving the hospital or at the next appointment.
Newborn hearing screening is a routine check used to identify babies who may need more evaluation for possible hearing loss. Many babies complete screening before discharge from the hospital, while some need a repeat newborn hearing screening later. A result that did not pass does not automatically mean a baby has permanent hearing loss. It means follow-up is important so families can understand the result and decide what happens next with their care team.
If your baby passed in both ears, that usually means no immediate follow-up is needed unless there are other risk factors or concerns about hearing, feeding, startle response, or development.
If your baby did not pass in one or both ears, fluid, movement, noise, or timing can affect the result. The next step is often a repeat newborn hearing screening or a referral for follow-up.
If you are not sure what the screening showed, it helps to confirm whether it was completed before discharge, whether both ears were screened, and whether a newborn hearing screening follow up visit was recommended.
Some babies need a repeat newborn hearing screening within the first days or weeks after birth, especially if the first screening happened soon after delivery or conditions were not ideal.
If a baby does not pass again, the care team may refer the family to audiology for more complete hearing evaluation and guidance on timing.
Families often need support understanding appointments, paperwork, and what questions to ask. Clear follow-up matters because early identification can support communication and developmental planning.
If screening has not happened yet, ask when it will be done, how results will be shared, and what to do if your baby goes home before it is completed.
A baby who did not pass in one ear may still need timely follow-up. It is helpful to confirm whether the same plan applies to both ears or if the referral is different.
Timing can vary, but parents should leave with a clear plan for repeat screening or audiology follow-up, including where to go and who will contact them if an appointment is needed.
It means your baby did not pass the screening in one or both ears and needs follow-up. This can happen for several reasons, including fluid in the ear, movement, or background noise. It does not automatically mean permanent hearing loss.
The next step is often a repeat newborn hearing screening or a referral to audiology for follow-up. Your baby’s hospital or pediatrician should explain the timing and where the next appointment will take place.
Yes. A passed newborn hearing screening is reassuring, but parents should still mention concerns about hearing, responsiveness to sound, or speech and language development to their pediatrician, especially if there are known risk factors.
In many hospitals, yes. Newborn hearing screening before discharge is common, but some babies need outpatient screening later depending on timing, medical needs, or hospital workflow.
Follow-up should happen promptly based on your hospital or pediatrician’s instructions. If you leave the hospital without a clear plan, contact your baby’s care team as soon as possible to confirm the next step.
Answer a few questions to understand your baby’s newborn hearing screening results, likely follow-up steps, and what to ask your care team next.
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