If your newborn baby’s first hearing test doesn’t show a clear response from one or both ears, your baby will need a second screening test.
This happens with a lot of babies. It doesn't necessarily mean your baby has hearing problems. Some common reasons for needing a second screening include:
- Your baby may have been unsettled when the first test was done.
- There may have been some background noise.
- Your baby may have fluid or a temporary blockage in their ear after the birth. This is very common and passes with time.
When will the second screening be done?
If you have your baby in hospital, your baby's second hearing screening will usually be done before you leave. However, in some areas, it may be done at:
- a local surgery
- a health clinic
- your home
What does the second screening involve?
At the second screening, your baby may have the same test as they had in their first screening. This is called the automated otoacoustic emission (AOAE) hearing test. For more information about the AOAE test, see Why will my newborn baby’s hearing be checked?
At the second screening, your baby may also have another type of test, called the automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) screening test.
In the AABR test, three small sensors are placed on your baby's head and neck. Some clicking sounds are played through soft headphones placed over your baby's ears. The screening equipment shows how well your baby's ears respond to sound.
The AABR test can take between 5 and 30 minutes. You can stay with your baby while the test is done. It doesn't hurt, it's not uncomfortable and it's usually done while your baby is asleep or settled.
What do the results mean?
If the second screening shows a clear response from both of your baby's ears, your baby is unlikely to have hearing loss.
If the second screening doesn’t show a clear response from one or both of your baby’s ears, you'll be referred to your local audiology department. This often happens at the second screening, and it doesn't necessarily mean that your baby has hearing problems.
An audiologist (hearing specialist) will carry out more tests to measure your baby’s hearing. The audiologist will explain the test results to you and discuss with you what is best for your child. Read more about Your baby’s visit to the audiology clinic (PDF, 307Kb).
Most babies show clear responses to sound at the second screening and at the audiologist's tests. However, it’s possible that your baby may have hearing loss.
Nationally, about one in 25 babies whose second screening does not show clear responses may have hearing loss in one or both ears. Finding out early that your baby has hearing loss means that you and your baby can get advice and support.
Getting help
If you’re concerned about your child’s hearing, contact your health visitor or GP. A child's hearing can be assessed at any age.
Read the answers to more questions about children’s health
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