Why we screen babies for hearing loss

Newborn hearing screening checks your baby for permanent hearing loss in 1 or both ears.

Almost all babies in Ireland are offered the screening test.

This means that you and your baby can get the support and advice you need as early as possible.

Newborn hearing screening after birth

Your baby will usually have their hearing screening test in hospital before they are 1 month old.

If you have a home birth, your public health nurse (PHN) will arrange an outpatient appointment with your local screening service.

If the screening test does not show a clear response from both ears, your baby will be referred for further testing with an audiologist (hearing specialist).

What happens during newborn hearing screening

Why we screen babies for hearing loss

Most babies born in Ireland have no problems with hearing. But 1 or 2 babies in every 1,000 will be diagnosed with hearing loss in 1 or both ears.

The hearing screening test identifies babies with hearing loss at an early stage. Finding hearing problems early means we can treat babies as soon as possible.

Early treatment such as hearing aids or speech and language therapy can help to support your baby's:

• development of speech and language skills
• social and emotional development

​Getting your baby's hearing screening results

If your baby is not offered the screening test

Your baby may not be offered the screening if they:

• have an outer ear that has not formed properly
• have an infection such as bacterial meningitis
• spent more than 6 months in the special care baby unit and are not well enough to be screened
• are receiving end-of-life care

In most of these cases your baby will be referred for a diagnostic hearing test.

If your baby is receiving end-of-life care, a decision will be made with you about screening.

If your baby misses their test

Talk to your PHN if your baby did not have a screening test. They can arrange an appointment if your baby needs one.

The newborn hearing screening test can be done up to 3 months of age.

If you are worried about your baby's hearing

Newborn hearing screening will not find every case of hearing loss.

If you are worried about your child's hearing at any stage talk to your PHN or GP.

What to do if you're worried about your child's hearing

Translated newborn hearing screening information

We have 4 leaflets on newborn hearing screening:

1. Your Baby's Visit to the Audiology Hearing Clinic.
2. Your Baby's Hearing Screening Test.
3. Your Baby's Hearing Screening Test for babies who have received special or intensive care NICU.
4. Childhood Hearing Checklist.

These are available in 13 languages, including: