Condition : Hearing loss in newborns

Condition Hearing loss in newborns

What is hearing loss in newborns?

Some babies are born unable to hear, and this can significantly impact their development if it’s not discovered and managed early. This is why newborns are screened within the first few weeks of life.

Often, the newborn hearing test will be done in the hospital following birth. Otherwise, it will be done by a health visitor, or you will be contacted to arrange an appointment with your local newborn hearing screening service. The test involves playing a small soft-tipped earpiece in your baby's ear and playing gentle clicking sounds while watching for a reaction.

Lots of babies don’t respond clearly to this test, but it doesn’t always mean they have permanent hearing loss. They may have been unsettled while it was being done, distracted by background noise, or had a fluid or a temporary blockage in their ear. In these cases, there is a second test, either using the same method or another type of test which involves placing small sensors on your baby’s head and using over-ear headphones.

The newborn hearing test doesn’t pick up all types of permanent hearing loss, as children can develop it later, but it’s still very important so that they can get support as soon as possible.

If it’s not clear from the screening whether your baby can hear, they will be referred to an audiologist within four weeks. Even if this happens, it does not necessarily mean your baby has permanent hearing loss, but it’s important that you attend in case they do.

If hearing loss is confirmed, the audiologist will discuss whether they need a hearing aid and what other support they could benefit from.

What is hearing loss in newborns?

Most babies with permanent hearing loss are born into families with no history of it, however genetic factors can play a role. Other possible causes include complications at birth, premature birth, infections during pregnancy, and childhood illnesses. Sometimes, it might not be possible to identify a reason.

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