What is the newborn hearing screening test?

The newborn hearing screening test is a routine health check offered to babies soon after birth. The newborn hearing screening test is used to help detect hearing loss in babies.

Your baby needs to hear well to learn speech and language skills. If your baby has hearing loss from birth (congenital hearing loss) early detection is important to maximise your baby's language, social and emotional development.

The newborn hearing test is a screening test. This means that it cannot diagnose hearing loss, but can be used to identify cases where there is a high chance of hearing loss. If your baby has a positive hearing screening test, you will be referred to a specialist to confirm the result with a diagnostic test.

When is the newborn hearing screening test done?

It's recommended that the hearing test is performed before your baby leaves hospital after the birth. The test is usually done within 2 days of birth and can be done as early as 6 hours after birth.

It's recommended that all newborns are tested for hearing loss.

However, in some situations your doctor may advise delaying the test, for example, if your baby is:

• born early (less than 34 weeks gestational age)
• medically unwell
• being treated for jaundice
• taking medicines that can affect their brain or ears
• on a ventilator
• in an incubator

In rare situations, your child's doctor may recommend not having a hearing test. For example, the test is not recommended for babies with obvious malformation of the face or ear.

It's usually recommended that the test is done within 1 month of birth for healthy babies, or by 3 months of age for sick or premature babies.

Is the newborn hearing screening test safe?

Yes. the newborn hearing screening test is safe and poses no risk to your baby.

Where can I get the newborn hearing screening test done?

The newborn hearing screening test is usually done in hospital within 2 days of your baby's birth.

If for any reason you go home before the test is done, your baby can still have their hearing screened as an outpatient or during a home visit by an appropriately qualified early discharge nurse.

What happens during the newborn hearing screening test?

The hearing test is usually done at the bed side while you and your baby are still in hospital. The hearing screener will explain the test and ask you to sign a consent form.

There are two types of hearing screening tests used in different states in Australia. Both are simple and painless.

• During the automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) screening test, the screener places ear cups on your baby's ears that play a soft clicking noise. Sensors are placed on your baby's forehead, neck and shoulder to measure how the auditory nerve responds to the sounds played. The auditory nerve transfers sound from the cochlea in the inner ear to the brain.
• During the TEOAE (transient evoked otoacoustic emissions) hearing test, the test is performed with a probe placed in the ear canal that makes soft sounds. The machine used tests whether the cells in your baby's inner ear respond to sound.

The screener will discuss the results of the test with you immediately after the test.

If your baby does not pass the hearing screening test the first time, the test will be repeated, usually 12 to 24 hours after the first test.

If your baby does not pass the second test, they will be referred for a diagnostic audiology assessment. This assessment is done by an audiologist (hearing specialist), ideally when your baby is 4 to 6 weeks of age.

The newborn hearing screening test is free for all babies who are eligible for an Australian Medicare card.

What does a newborn hearing screening test feel like?

The test is quick and painless. Your baby can sleep or feed during the test.

Are there side effects or complications of newborn hearing screening tests?

There are no side effects or complications of this test.

Are there alternatives to the newborn hearing screening test?

There are many other methods of testing your child's hearing, but the newborn hearing screening test is the simplest and most painless for children at low risk of having a hearing problem.

If you have questions about the newborn hearing screening test or are concerned about your child's hearing, you can speak to your doctor, hearing screener or an audiologist.

Resources and support

For more information about newborn hearing screening, how it's done and why it's important, see the Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Committee website.

The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby video call service allows you to speak face-to-face with a maternal child health nurse. Video call is a free service and is available from 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

NSW Health has a fact sheet on newborn hearing screening tests in a variety of community languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Find out more about children's ear health for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people at the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation website 'Care for Kids Ears'.