Hearing tests are short in duration (lasting about 10 minutes), safe and do not cause pain (most babies are able to sleep during the check). Sometimes newborns are checked twice rather than just once.
What if my newborn passes the hearing test successfully?
Some newborns may hear well enough to pass a hearing control even if their hearing is not entirely normal. Others may also pass the hearing test, but suffer hearing loss due to an illness, a medicine or genetic reasons – after leaving the maternity ward. Therefore, even if your newborn passes the hearing control, refer to an Audiologist or Pediatrician if you have an indication of potential hearing loss at any time.
What if my newborn does not pass the hearing test successfully?
If your newborn does not pass the hearing test, it is important to book an appointment with an Audiologist for a thorough check as soon as possible.
Other Signs
Your newborn may be at risk for a delayed manifestation of hearing loss for any of the following reasons:
- There is a family history of childhood hearing loss
- Neonatal intensive care takes place along with ECMO therapy
- Chemotherapy
- An infection that occurred before or after birth (including CMV, bacterial infections or viral meningitis)
- Disorders that affect the baby’s nervous system
If any of the above is true, book an appointment with the pediatrician or a pediatric-otolaryngologist to make the necessary diagnostic tests.
All newborns should be checked for potential hearing loss. Make sure your newborn’s hearing is checked before leaving the maternity ward.
