Newborn Hearing Screening Programme

Aim

The aim of the 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 screening test is recommended for your baby, even if there is no history of hearing loss in your family. Finding hearing loss (in one or both ears) early is important for your baby’s development.

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. One to two babies in every 1,000 are born with 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.

Permanent hearing loss can significantly affect 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.

Our Service

The hearing screen uses a quick simple test(s) to check the hearing of all newborn babies. 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 we will be in contact to arrange a clinic appointment. Finding hearing loss (in one or both ears) early is important for your baby’s development . The early involvement from the audiology team if your baby does not get a clear response in one or both ears ensures your baby receives the best outcome.

Parents are provided with a checklist in their Red Book on page 32 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 (HV) if you have any concerns about your baby’s hearing.

If your baby has not completed screening in hospital 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 4 weeks for the best outcomes for your baby. However it can be done up to 6 months of age.

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. Contact number is 028 2563 5462.

For further information please contact your local Newborn Hearing Screening Programme or alternatively view the Newborn Hearing Screening leaflets (English and translations).