The Importance of Newborn Hearing Screenings

Hearing loss is the most frequently occurring birth defect, and more than 90 percent of babies with hearing loss are born to parents with typical hearing. For many families, the idea of their child having hearing loss is one that they have never given much thought.

This can lead to parents having a passive attitude in regards to a newborn hearing screening. But because any delay in the diagnosis of hearing loss can have a lifelong negative impact on a child’s development, it is critical for your child to receive timely hearing health services shortly after birth.

Why Does My Child Need a Newborn Hearing Screening?

Children diagnosed with hearing loss can live healthy, fulfilling lives, and early intervention is a critical component. Informed parents who receive a firm diagnosis can begin taking advantage of the many resources available to them as far as amplification (hearing aids, cochlear implants, etc.) and communication paths. Children with hearing loss can develop listening and spoken language skills, but there is a critical window for language acquisition, meaning time is of the essence.

Intervention services can help mitigate the negative effects that hearing loss can have on your child’s speech and language development, academic achievement, and social and emotional development.

Click on the image above to download a PDF copy of the 2024 CCHAT Newborn Hearing Diagnostic Program Progress Report

What Happens at a Newborn Hearing Screening?

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) exam is the most common way to test hearing for children under 6 months of age. Your child must be asleep for approximately 15 minutes to complete this test, so it is best to try and keep them awake for a while prior to arriving at the appointment. While your child sleeps, their brain’s response to different sounds is measured via electrodes to make sure that the auditory pathway is working the way that it should. The entire ABR appointment takes up to one hour and is completely painless for your baby.

California Birth Center’s Partnership with CCHAT

California Birth Center is fortunate to have a partnership with the CCHAT Center, a listening and spoken language program for children with hearing loss that has served the community for more than 25 years. Dr. Katie Isbell, CCHAT’s audiologist, visits California Birth Center once per month to provide newborn hearing screenings. This convenience allows families to have the test performed in a familiar setting without having to travel.

Dr. Isbell’s goal is to make each child and family feel comfortable. She will explain each procedure she performs to the family and happily answer any questions that may arise during testing. Katie remains engaged with each child she serves and makes herself available for follow-up questions from the family. Her wealth of knowledge and experience in the audiological field ensures that each child will receive the best care and treatment possible.

We Are Here to Help

Providing you and your child with the best healthcare services is our top priority, and a newborn hearing screening should be high on your checklist following the birth of your baby. California Birth Center and the team from CCHAT are available to answer any questions you may have regarding this vital test.