Newborn Hearing Test
Screening procedure to detect hearing loss in infants, typically conducted within the first few weeks after birth.
| Timing | Before hospital discharge or within first 4–5 weeks |
| Prevalence of hearing loss | 1–3 per 1,000 children |
| Test accuracy | Detects 85–100% of cases |
| False positive rate | ~4% fail initial screening |
Purpose
Early detection of hearing loss enables timely intervention (hearing aids, cochlear implants) to support language acquisition and reduce need for later intervention. Without screening, many cases remain undetected until developmental delays become apparent.
Testing Methods
Infants cannot indicate when they hear sounds, so tests use sensors to detect physiological responses:
- Sensors on head — Detect brain's response to sound
- Ear probes — Measure middle and inner ear response to tones
Tests can be conducted at bedside (machine wheeled into hospital room) or in dedicated screening location. Infant may be asleep during procedure.
Results
| Result | Likelihood | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Pass | 96% of infants | No further action; no notification sent |
| Fail | 4% of infants | Referral to audiological centre for diagnostic testing |
Actual hearing loss rate: Only 0.1–0.3% of all infants screened have confirmed hearing loss. High false positive rate means most referrals result in normal hearing confirmation.
After a Failed Test
Referral to formal audiological centre is standard protocol. Repeat testing with more comprehensive diagnostic tools determines whether hearing loss is present and, if so, type and severity.
Early intervention is time-sensitive—language development windows are narrow in infancy.
Parental Action Required
None for passed tests. For failed tests, attend follow-up appointment promptly. Do not delay diagnostic testing.
See also: Newborn Screening Tests, Language Development Milestones, Developmental Red Flags, NHS Newborn Examination, Early Intervention Services