Pregnancy and Newborn Hearing Screening

When you are expecting a baby, you have many things on your mind, including your child’s hearing. Understanding how your baby’s hearing develops before birth and the importance of newborn hearing screening can help you feel prepared to support your child’s health. Early testing helps identify concerns so your baby can receive the right support from the very beginning. Knowing how hearing develops during pregnancy, why early screening is so important and what to do if concerns arise can give you greater confidence as you care for your child.

How a Baby’s Hearing Grows Before Birth

A baby’s hearing begins to develop very early in pregnancy. By about 18 weeks, the tiny structures inside the ears start to form. By around 24 weeks, your baby can hear sounds from outside the womb. These may include voices, music or even your heartbeat. This early ability to hear provides an important first link to the world. It is common to feel concerned about your baby’s health during pregnancy. Knowing that hearing starts to function before birth can be reassuring, as it lays the groundwork for your child’s connection to sounds and speech.

Pregnancy Factors That May Influence Your Baby’s Hearing

Certain factors during pregnancy can affect your baby’s hearing. These include:

• Infections such as rubella or cytomegalovirus.
• Exposure to loud noise or strong chemicals.
• Smoking, drinking alcohol or taking specific medications.

Family History and Genetic Factors

Genetics can also play a role in your baby’s hearing. If close family members experienced hearing loss at birth or early in life, your baby may have a higher chance of having similar concerns. Some types of hearing loss are passed down through families. If you know of any relatives with hearing loss, share this information with your audiologist. As this allows them to monitor your baby more closely and plan for extra support if needed.

How Common Is Hearing Loss in Newborns?

Hearing loss in newborns is more common than many people realize, affecting one to three out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States. Some cases are present at birth due to genetic factors, while others may result from complications during pregnancy or delivery, like infections or premature birth. Because hearing is critical for language development, identifying and addressing hearing issues early is essential for a child’s communication and cognitive growth.

Universal newborn hearing screenings have made it possible to detect most hearing loss within the first few days of life. Early detection allows families and audiologists to intervene quickly, whether through hearing aids or specialized support programs. While most newborns pass these screenings, the process ensures that those with hearing challenges are identified before delays in speech and language development occur. Regular monitoring and follow-up remain important, even for babies who initially show normal results, to support long-term hearing health.

Understanding Why Newborn Hearing Screening Matters

Newborn hearing screening is valuable because it can detect hearing loss early, often before any signs are noticed. When hearing loss is identified quickly, babies can receive support that helps them develop speech and language skills more effectively. Early intervention makes a significant difference in how children learn and connect with others. Screening is quick and safe for your baby. Most hospitals perform this test before you leave for home. This simple step supports your child’s ability to communicate and engage with the world.

What Happens During a Newborn Hearing Screening at the Hospital

A newborn hearing screening at the hospital is a quick and painless way to check a baby’s hearing before leaving the facility. Most screenings use either otoacoustic emissions (OAE) or auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests. OAE tests measure how the inner ear responds to soft sounds, while ABR tests track the brain’s response to sounds sent through tiny earphones. Both methods do not cause discomfort and typically take only a few minutes per ear. These screenings help identify potential hearing issues early, which is important because early detection can make a big difference in a child’s language and communication development.

If a newborn does not pass the initial screening, it does not automatically mean there is hearing loss. Follow-up testing is scheduled to confirm whether there is a hearing concern and to determine its severity. Early intervention programs can then provide support, like hearing aids or other assistive devices, to help the child develop speech and language skills.

Interpreting the Results of Your Baby’s Hearing Screening

After the screening, you will be given results that indicate whether your baby passed or needs further testing. A pass means your baby’s hearing is within the expected range, while a refer result means another check is needed.

If your baby does not pass the first screening, try not to worry. Sometimes fluid in the ear or movement during the test can affect the results. If follow-up testing is recommended, keep all appointments and bring any questions you have for an audiologist. Bringing a familiar blanket or toy can help keep your baby comfortable during future visits.

Simple Ways Parents Can Help Support Healthy Hearing in Babies

You can take simple steps each day to help protect your baby’s hearing. Keep the volume low on TVs, tablets and music to avoid loud sounds. Use gentle voices and talk often with your baby to encourage good listening skills. Keep your baby’s ears clean and dry during bath time, but avoid putting anything inside the ear canal. If you notice signs of an ear infection, like tugging at the ear or changes in how your baby responds to sound, contact an audiologist promptly. These habits support your child’s hearing health from the start.

Giving Your Baby the Best Start With Early Hearing Care

Supporting your baby’s hearing during pregnancy and after birth can make a meaningful difference in their growth and learning. Newborn hearing screening helps identify concerns early so your child can receive support right away. If you have questions about the screening process or your baby’s hearing development, an audiologist is here to help.

If you are expecting or have recently welcomed a new baby, consider scheduling a follow-up if there are any concerns from the newborn screening or if you notice changes in how your child responds to sounds. Early attention helps support healthy development and strong communication skills. An audiologist is ready to guide you through each step so you can feel confident in supporting your child’s hearing health from day one.