FAQ

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 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:
  • 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.

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.

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.

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.

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Have a question? A suggestion? Feel free to use the form below or email us at info@wyomingehdi.org. Thank you!

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