The aim of the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme is to identify babies born with a permanent childhood hearing impairment (PCHI) at an early stage, to allow timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Approximately one to two babies in every 1,000 are born with a permanent hearing loss in one or both ears. This increases to about 1 in every 100 babies who have spent more than 48 hours in intensive care. Most of these babies are born into families with no history of permanent hearing loss, therefore this screening test is recommended for your baby, even if there is no history of hearing loss in your family.
The newborn hearing screening programme helps identify babies who have permanent hearing loss as early as possible. This means parents can get the support and advice they need right from the start.
Finding hearing loss (in one or both ears) early is important for babies’ development. Finding out early can give these babies a better chance of developing language, speech, and communication skills. It’ll also help them make the most of relationships with their family or carers from an early age.
Screening process
If you give birth in hospital, you may be offered a newborn hearing test for your baby before you are discharged, otherwise it will be done by one of the Newborn Hearing Screeners within the first few weeks of life.
We aim to screen as many babies as possible whilst they are on the maternity ward. If this is not possible, you will be contacted by our Newborn Hearing Screening Programme to arrange a suitable time and venue and a text message will be sent to confirm this. A reminder will also be sent the day before the arranged appointment. Ideally, the test is done in the first couple of weeks. This is required to allow any referrals to Audiology to be offered and completed before four weeks for the best outcomes for your baby. However, it can be done up to six months of age.
Parents are provided with a checklist in their Red Book after a baby has had clear responses following the hearing screen. This identifies sounds a baby should be making and their reaction to sound at different stages of their development. Speak to their GP or health visitor if you have any concerns about your baby’s hearing.
If your baby has not had their hearing screened, and you haven’t been offered a screening test, ask your health visitor or preferably contact your local Newborn Hearing Screening Programme to have an appointment arranged.
Where to find us
Audiology Outpatient Services, Braid Valley Care Complex, 86 Cushendall Road, Ballymena, BT43 6HL.
Maternity Ward, Antrim Area Hospital, Bush Road, Antrim, BT41 2RL.
Causeway Hospital, 4 Newbridge Road, Coleraine, BT52 1HS.
How to contact us
Hearing Screening Admin Support
- Telephone: 028 2563 5462
- Email: Hearingscreening.support@northerntrust.hscni.net
Antrim Area Hospital
- Telephone: 028 9442 4000
Causeway Hospital
- Telephone: 028 7034 6317
Useful resources
For further information, please contact your local Newborn Hearing Screening Programme, or alternatively, the Public Health Agency website provides a checklist to help you to monitor your baby’s development and information on your baby’s referral and visit to the audiology clinic.
Newborn Hearing Screening Programme leaflets | Public Health Agency
Newborn hearing screening programme information | nidirect