Why do newborns need hearing screening?
Although most babies can hear normally, 2 to 3 of every 1,000 babies are born with some degree of hearing loss. Without newborn hearing screening, it can be difficult to detect hearing loss in the important first months and years of your baby’s life. About half of the children with hearing loss have no risk factors for it. Newborn hearing screening can detect possible hearing loss in the first days of a baby’s life. If a possible hearing loss is found, further tests will be done to confirm the results. If a hearing loss is confirmed, treatment and early intervention can start promptly. Early intervention helps babies with hearing loss and their families learn important communication skills. That is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies receive newborn hearing screening before they go home from the hospital. Importance of good hearing Babies learn from the time they are born. One of the ways they learn is through hearing. If they have problems with hearing an
