How do we proceed with NICU babies who already are known to have failed their hearing screening at birth?
BSC screening cannot replace state-mandated procedures for follow up of babies failing hospital-based newborn hearing screening (NBHS). According to NBHS program guidelines, NICU babies who fail the hearing screening at birth must receive follow up ABR screening at an accredited facility. BSC screening is not sufficient to rule out hearing loss in these children. Parents should be strongly encouraged to follow up with previous referrals for appropriate ABR assessment. Contact the California Hearing Coordination Center with questions or concerns. See BSC Bulletin #2.
