The newborn hearing screening test helps identify babies who have permanent hearing loss as early as possible. This means parents can get the support and advice they need right from the start.

When's the newborn hearing test done?

If you give birth in hospital, you may be offered a newborn hearing test for your baby before you're discharged.
Otherwise it'll be done by a health professional, healthcare assistant or health visitor within the first few weeks.
You'll be contacted by your local newborn hearing screening service to arrange a suitable time and venue.
Ideally, the test is done in the first 4 to 5 weeks, but it can be done at up to 3 months of age.

How's the newborn hearing test done?

The test is called the automated otoacoustic emission (AOAE) test. It takes just a few minutes.
A small soft-tipped earpiece is placed in your baby's ear and gentle clicking sounds are played.
It's not always possible to get clear responses from the first test. This happens with lots of babies, and doesn't always mean your baby has a permanent hearing loss.

It could mean:

• your baby was unsettled when the test was done
• there was background noise
• your baby has fluid or a temporary blockage in their ear

In these cases, your baby will be offered a second test. This may be the same as the first test, or another type called the automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) test.

The AABR test involves placing 3 small sensors on your baby's head and neck. Soft headphones are placed over your baby's ears and gentle clicking sounds are played. This test takes between 5 and 15 minutes.