Hearing Screening
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 If My Baby Fails a Hearing Screening?
If your newborn baby does not pass her/his initial hearing screen, the roadmap below will help your family take the next steps. If you need help navigating this roadmap or have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Wyoming EHDI Program. Download a printable/editable version of the hearing screening roadmap.
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 at the hospital 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.