Why does my newborn baby need a hearing test?
The incidence of hearing loss among newborns is between 1 and 6 babies in 1000 births. Because the incidence is so high, it is important that your baby have their hearing screened at birth, and is a state mandate. If your child was born outside of a hospital system, it is important to screen your baby for hearing loss in the first 3 weeks. If hearing loss exists, it is important to identify the hearing loss by 3 months of age, and intervene by 6 months of age.
When should I have my baby's hearing tested?
The state requires that babies are screened for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. If your child was born outside of a hospital system, it is important to screen your baby for hearing loss in the first 3 weeks. If hearing loss exists, it is important to identify the hearing loss by 3 months of age, and intervene by 6 months of age.