Newborn Hearing Screenings

Detecting hearing loss as early as possible is very important.  It is strongly recommended that all infants receive a hearing screening prior to being discharged from the hospital at the time of their birth.  In some states, including Wyoming, it is mandated that these screenings take place unless the parent(s) object to or waive the screening.  If a hearing loss is left undetected in an infant, it can negatively impact speech and language acquisition, academic achievement, and social and emotional development. If the hearing loss is detected and an early intervention plan is developed and followed, these negative impacts can be diminished and even eliminated.  Studies have shown that children who are identified with hearing loss and placed into appropriate early intervention before they are six months of age are more likely to enter school with age appropriate skills than those children who are identified after six months of age.

Why Should My Baby’s Hearing Be Screened?  

• More than half of babies born with hearing problems are healthy and have no family history of hearing loss.  
• It is important to find hearing loss as soon as possible.  The first year of life is critical to the development of normal language and speech.  Early identification and intervention is the key.

What Should I Know About The Screening?

• The screening is safe, painless, and takes about 10 minutes.
• Most babies sleep through the screening.
• Parents will be given the results as soon as the screening is completed.

What If My Baby Does Not Pass The Screening?

• It is important that you follow through with any recommendations made by your Hospital Staff, Physician, Child Development Center Staff, EHDI Program Staff, and/or Audiologist.
• Newborn Hearing Screening Protocol Procedures are as follows:
  • If your child fails his/her initial hearing screening, it is important that you schedule an appointment for a rescreening 7-10 days after the initial screening.
  • If your child fails his/her hearing rescreen, please contact your child’s Primary Care Physician, birthing hospital Nursery Staff, or the Wyoming EHDI Program for information on scheduling an Infant Audiological Diagnostic Evaluation.
  • If your child is diagnosed with a hearing loss, it is crucial that an Early Intervention Plan is developed and implemented before six months of age 
• If your baby does not pass the hearing screening, it is important that your baby’s care is right on time!  Just remember “1, 3, 6”:
  • Hearing Screening is completed by one month of age. 
  • Hearing Evaluation is completed by three months of age.
  • Early Intervention Plan is in place by six months of age. 
     
• Download Newborn Hearing Screening Procedures (PDF) 

Can a Newborn Baby Pass the Hearing Screening and Still Develop Hearing Loss?

• Yes!  The newborn hearing screening confirms that your baby can hear at the time of the screening.  Some babies may lose their hearing later because of some illnesses, some medicines, family history of hearing loss, ear infections, or other causes.  This is why it is recommended that a child’s hearing be screened annually or at any time if concerns arise or a change in hearing is noted.  To schedule a hearing screening, contact your child’s Primary Care Physician or your local Child Development Center. 

What if My Baby was Born at Home or in a Hospital where Newborn Hearing Screenings are not Mandated?

• If your child was born at home or out of state in a hospital where newborn hearing screenings are not mandated, it is important that you schedule an appointment as soon as possible to get his/her hearing screened.  To schedule a hearing screening, contact your child’s Primary Care Physician or your local Child Development Center. 

Legislation mandating that all children have their hearing screened at the time of birth before being discharged from the hospital became effective in Wyoming on April 1, 1999. 

Currently there are 21 birthing hospitals in Wyoming.  Each of these hospitals participate in the Newborn Hearing Screening Program and have equipment available on site to perform newborn hearing screenings.

The 21 birthing hospitals in Wyoming include: