News & Articles

Nov 3

Written by:
11/3/2011 10:47 AM 

When a baby fails a hearing screen (called a ‘refer’ result) it does not necessarily mean that he or she has a hearing loss.  Between 2-10% of all babies do not pass their first hearing screening.  It is important that you return for the rescreen before one month of age.  This is the best way to be sure about your baby’s hearing.  Do not wait 3-6 months to rescreen.   The easiest and most accurate hearing testing is done when babies are sleeping naturally.  Early screening/testing reduces the need for sedated procedures later on. Most babies will pass the second screen.  

The most common reasons that a child would need a rescreen include:

• Fluid or debris in the ear canal
• Middle ear fluid or infection
• A permanent, mild or greater hearing loss (3 in 1000 newborns)