A newborn hearing screening is a test done to make sure your
baby does not have a problem hearing. The test is done by an
audiologist, a person trained to identify and manage hearing
problems. A newborn hearing test is usually done before a baby
leaves the hospital after birth. If it is not done during the
newborn period, it is usually done within the first month of
life. Reasons for Test The test is done to make sure that the
baby does not have any hearing problems. Being able to hear well
is important in a newborn’s life since a baby uses sound to
assess his surroundings and to eventually learn how to speak.
Having a hearing test lets you and your baby’s doctor find out
early whether your child has hearing problems, and if so,
address the problems to help your child communicate as he gets
older. What to Expect Prior to Test There are no special steps
to prepare for this test. Description of Test There are two
different newborn hearing screening tests that are commonly
used. Different nurseries may use one o