Frequently Asked Questions About Infant Hearing

Why should my baby's hearing be tested?

• Most babies can hear fine when they are born.
• We test all babies to find the ones who may not be able to hear.
• If we find hearing loss early, there are many ways we can help your baby.
• Make sure your baby's hearing is tested before you leave the hospital.

What should I know about the test?

• The test is safe and painless and can be done in about 10 minutes.
• The test results are available before you leave the hospital.
• Be sure to tell the hospital the name of your baby's doctor so they can send them the results.

Why do some babies need another hearing test?

• Some babies may have fluid in the ear.
• Some babies might have been tested in a noisy room.
• Some babies might have moved around too much during testing.
• Some babies may have hearing loss.
• Most babies who need another test have normal hearing, though some will have hearing loss.
• If your baby does not pass the hearing test, make sure he or she is tested again as soon as possible.

Can a newborn baby pass the hearing test and still have hearing loss?

• Yes, some babies hear well enough to pass the first test but lose their hearing later because of illness, injury, medicine, or a family history of hearing loss.

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