Newborn Hearing Screenings

Why Did the Hospital Test My Newborn’s Hearing?

The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program requires that all babies born in Georgia are screened for hearing loss. All babies should be screened for hearing loss before 1 month of age. The screening is typically done before the baby leaves the birthing facility. If your newborn does not pass the hospital screening, you may be referred to us for further evaluation.

More than half of babies born with hearing problems are otherwise healthy and have no family history of hearing loss. If your baby has a hearing loss, you can still help your baby develop language skills. The sooner you act, the better the outcome. For more information visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

How Can our Audiologists Help?

Infant ABR hearing testing provides information about the softest levels of sound to which the ear responds.  ABR testing is the only test available for newborns and babies that can provide information about the softest level of sound to which each ear responds.  It will give information about the amount of hearing loss that may be present at different pitches, as well as determine the type of hearing loss, especially when used in conjunction with tympanometry and OAE results.