Why newborn hearing screening is done
Hearing loss is not very common in babies, but finding out as early as possible means you and your baby can get the support you both may need with language and speech.
Who newborn hearing screening is for
Newborn hearing screening is usually offered before your baby is 4 weeks old, but it can be done up to 3 months of age.
All babies are offered newborn hearing screening, but it's your choice if you want them to have it.
If you decide not to have the screening test, you'll be given checklists to help you check on your baby's hearing as they grow older. If you have any concerns, speak to your health visitor or GP.
How to get newborn hearing screening
The newborn hearing screening test will be offered to your baby either in hospital or when you're at home.
Sometimes you may be invited to attend a clinic for an appointment.
If you're not offered a hearing screening test, ask your health visitor or GP to arrange an appointment, or contact your local hearing screening service.
How newborn hearing screening is done
The newborn hearing screening test takes a few minutes.
A small soft earpiece is placed in your baby's ear and gentle clicking sounds are played to check how your baby responds to the sounds.
If the screening test does not give a clear result, it will be repeated or your baby will be offered a second, different test.
The test will be done when your baby is settled or asleep. It's not uncomfortable for your baby and the test has no known risks.
Video: Newborn hearing screening
This video describes what newborn hearing screening is and how the test is done.
Media review due: 4 August 2027
Results of newborn hearing screening
You'll be given your baby's results as soon as the newborn hearing screening test is done.
If your baby has a clear result in both ears, it's unlikely they have hearing loss.
But the newborn hearing test does not pick up all types of hearing loss. Children can also develop hearing loss later on, so it's important to check your child's hearing as they grow up.
The checklist in your baby's personal child health record ("red book") tells you how to check your child's hearing as they grow older.
Talk to your health visitor or GP if you have any concerns about your child's hearing.
What happens if your baby does not have a clear result
If the screening test results do not show a clear result from 1 or both of your baby's ears, an appointment will be made with a hearing specialist at an audiology clinic for a second test. This should be within 4 weeks of your baby's screening test.
The appointment will usually take about 1 to 2 hours and includes time to settle your baby and do the test. You'll be able to stay with your baby during the test. You may want to take your partner, or a friend or relative, with you to the appointment.
The second test involves placing 3 small sensors on your baby's forehead, back of the neck and shoulder. Soft headphones are placed over your baby's ears and gentle clicking sounds are played. This will tell the audiologist if your baby's hearing nerve responds to the sound.
This test can take up to 15 minutes and gives more detailed information about your baby's hearing.
The hearing specialist will usually be able to give you the results at the end of the appointment. They'll explain what the results mean for your baby's hearing and whether they need any more tests.
Help and support for hearing loss
The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) offers support and information to families with children and young people with hearing loss.
- Freephone helpline: call 0808 800 8880 Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm; Friday, 9am to 12.30pm
- Text: 0786 00 22 888
- BSL video relay: NDCS SignVideo BSL
Find out more
You can find out more about newborn hearing screening on the GOV.UK website: