Newborn Hearing Screening

Welcome to the magical world of parenthood! As you embrace the joys of having a newborn, one crucial aspect you shouldn’t overlook is your baby’s hearing health. Newborn Hearing Screening (NBHS) is a simple yet vital procedure that assesses your little one’s hearing shortly after birth. It’s a routine test designed to catch any potential hearing issues or loss in babies.

Why is NBHS so essential?

Well, the earlier we detect any hearing impairment, the better! By identifying hearing challenges early on, we can swiftly initiate the right interventions, setting your baby up for a bright and harmonious future.

Optimize your baby’s start in life – don’t miss the chance to give them the best hearing care from the beginning. Learn about Newborn Hearing Screening and how it can pave the way for a world of beautiful sounds and endless possibilities!

Did you know?

In India, 8 out of 1000 children are born deaf. The count increases up to 40 if considered among high-risk newborns. Also, the hearing defect is undetected until 3 to 4 years old.

How can we detect earlier?

Newborn hearing screening is a mandatory test in any hospital for several concerns. Every parent has doubts about when newborn hearing screening starts. It is underdone after 24 hours of your childbirth. The newborn hearing screen protocol is conducted to find any hearing loss or potential hearing difficulties. It is one of the important procedures to ensure that your child receives appropriate & timely intervention for any hearing-related issues.

Why should we perform hearing screening?

There are several reasons why hearing screening is important. Some of the crucial reasons are as follows.

Improvise language & communication skills: Early detection and intervention of the newborn hearing screening test helps to improvise your child’s language and communication skills.

Additional benefits: Early detection of hearing loss can help to take actions like hearing aids, cochlear implants, or communication therapy for quick improvement and mitigate the developmental delays associated with hearing loss.

Increased parental support: Some parents may need to be aware of the early hearing screening test. Hence, offering screening and counselling services on hearing may widen their knowledge to find a quick solution for their child. Also, it will be helpful to join them with support groups, professionals, and resources.

Compliance with regulations and standards: Many countries and healthcare systems have established guidelines and regulations requiring hospitals to provide newborn hearing screening as a standard part of their services.

Public health benefits: Early detection can prevent delays in communication development and improve the child’s quality of life, reducing the burden on healthcare, educational, and social systems in the long run.

Who should undergo the hearing screening test?

All newborns: It is recommended that universal newborn hearing screening for all babies, regardless of any known risk factors or family history of hearing loss. Universal screening helps ensure that every newborn has an equal opportunity for early detection and intervention if hearing loss is present.

Babies with risk factors: Some infants may have known risk factors for hearing loss, such as:

1. Family history of permanent childhood hearing loss,
2. In-utero infections (e.g., cytomegalovirus, rubella, herpes),
3. Specific syndromes associated with hearing loss (e.g., Down syndrome),
4. Birth complications include low birth weight, prematurity, or exposure to ototoxic medications (medications that can damage the hearing system).

Infants with these risk factors may be identified and prioritized for newborn hearing screening to ensure early detection and appropriate intervention if needed. It’s important to note that the specific criteria for newborn hearing screening may vary between healthcare systems and hospitals. It is recommended to consult with our healthcare provider or the hospital where the screening will be conducted for their specific guidelines and protocols regarding newborn hearing screening.

Who will perform the hearing screening test protocol?

When it comes to your baby’s hearing health, you want nothing but the best. That’s where the expertise of trained healthcare professionals, like Audiologists and Speech Pathologists, comes into play. These skilled professionals are responsible for performing newborn hearing screening with precision and accuracy.

Equipped with in-depth knowledge and specialized training, Audiologists and Speech Pathologists are well-versed in conducting the screening and interpreting the results. Using advanced equipment and techniques, they ensure a thorough and reliable assessment of your little one’s hearing abilities.

Having qualified personnel perform the newborn hearing screening is crucial. Not only does it guarantee precise results, but it also enables appropriate follow-up care in case any hearing issues are detected. Your baby deserves the finest respect, and with the support of trained healthcare professionals, you can rest assured that their hearing needs are in expert hands.

What are the screening methods and timings?

The most commonly performed newborn hearing screening methods are as follows.

As a loving parent, you want to ensure your newborn’s healthy development, and one essential aspect to consider is their hearing. Newborn Hearing Screening (NHS) plays a pivotal role in this journey, and it involves two fascinating tests: Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR).

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) is a captivating examination that analyzes the sounds your little one’s inner ear produces when stimulated. The healthcare expert gently places a tiny probe equipped with a microphone (ear check machine) in your baby’s ear to record the responses. It’s a standard procedure performed within the first seven days after birth and repeated at one month of age.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test, which unveils the remarkable electrical activity of the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sounds. Small electrodes are carefully placed on your baby’s scalp to conduct this marvel, capturing the reactions. This delightful test is performed at the three-month mark.