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My Baby Didn’t Pass the Newborn Hearing Screening

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​​​​​​​​​​​What Do You Do if Your Baby Doesn't Pass the Newborn Hearing Screening?

Step 1: Talk with your doctor if your baby does not pass the newborn hearing screening.

The doctor will refer your baby for follow-up testing with a pediatric audiologist before your baby turns 1 month old.​

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Step 2: Follow Up Hearing Screening with a Pediatric Audiologist

A pediatric audiologist is a licensed professional who has the training, experience, and the appropriate equipment to test very young children. To find where you can go for follow-up testing with a pediatric audiologist, visit EHDI Pals.​​​

BabyEDHI Pals FIND A PEDIATRIC AUDIOLOGY​ FACILITY ​

Follow-up testing starts with one more screening with Otoacoust​ic Emissions (OAE) or Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR),  similar to what we done in the hospital. If a baby does not pass the follow-up screening, diagnostic testing with ABR is completed. Some hospitals or clinics may complete a diagnostic test at the time of follow-up, instead of doing another screen.

It is important that babies are quiet and still for both Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing. It is easiest for babies to be quiet and still when they are very young. If follow-up testing is done before a baby is 5 months old, all testing can be attempted while the baby sleeps naturally. For older babies, ABR testing is done under anesthesia. The outcome of the follow-up testing is that permanent hearing loss is either identified or not identified.​
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Step 3: Early Childhood Hearing Interventions

If diagnostic testing shows that your baby has a hearing loss, (i.e., is deaf or hard of hearing),​ it is important to begin early intervention services. This team of professionals will offer guidance and support to your family. Your Early Intervention Team may include:

  • Services Coordinator
  • Family-Infant Teacher
  • Speech-Language Pathologist 
  • Teach of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing
  • Pediatric Audiologist
  • Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat/ENT Physician)
  • Pediatrician or Family Practitioner

If your baby is deaf or heard of hearing, these professionals will be eager to provide support to your family. Their main goal will be to work with you to help your baby's development. It is important that services for your baby begin as soon possible.
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More Resources and Education for Parents

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Read more about what to do if your baby's screening reveals hearing needs​.

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