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Questions
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What
is the Newborn Hearing Screening Program?
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Who
is Tested?
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Why
is My Baby Tested for Hearing Loss?
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How
is My Baby Screened for Hearing Loss?
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How
Will I Know the Results of the Test?
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Where
Can I Get More Information About Newborn Hearing Screening?
What
is the Newborn Hearing Screening Program?
The Arizona Newborn Hearing Screening Program, as part of the Arizona Early
Hearing Detection and Intervention system, was implemented to aid in the
identification of hearing loss in newborn babies, through early screening,
diagnosis and enrollment in intervention programs. Research has proven that
babies with hearing loss, who are identified and receive services before six
months of age, have significantly better language skills than those who do
not, which may help reduce the need for special education services later in
childhood and help ensure success in school and society.
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Who
is Tested?
Every baby born in Arizona, including your baby, should have newborn hearing
screening tests before leaving the hospital.
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Why
is My Baby Tested for Hearing Loss?
Babies begin to learn speech and language very soon after they are born. The
first three years are the most important for learning speech and language.
Babies who can’t hear well may have problems learning to talk. If hearing
loss is identified early, your child will have the best chance to learn to
language and do well in school. About three in every one thousand babies born
has some degree of hearing loss. Most of these children do very well if their
hearing loss is detected within the first six months of age.
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How
is My Baby Screened for Hearing Loss?
Hearing screenings are performed in the hospital just hours after your baby is
born using special equipment. These screens do not cause your baby any pain,
and they can be completed in as little as 10-15 minutes if the baby is quiet
or asleep. Another screening may be needed after your baby leaves the hospital
if your baby does not pass the first screening. The screening does not
diagnose a hearing loss, but will identify children who need to have a
complete evaluation by a pediatric audiologist.
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How
Will I Know the Results of the Test?
Ask your baby's nurse. Your baby’s doctor will also be notified of the
screening results. The screening results may also be written on the back of
your baby’s Lifetime Immunization Record. Bring the immunization record with
you to your doctor’s office. Some hospitals will give you an appointment to
bring your baby back to be retested, if your baby does not pass the first
screening.
If your baby has an abnormal test result, this does not mean he/she has a
hearing loss, but it does mean that further testing needs to be done as soon
as possible.
To make sure your doctor can contact you, be sure to give your correct mailing
address and phone number to the hospital or doctor. If you don't have a phone,
leave the number of a friend, relative or neighbor with the doctor or
hospital. If you move soon after your baby is born, let your doctor know your
new address and phone number.
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Where
Can I Get More Information About Newborn Hearing Screening?
For additional information, call your baby's doctor. You may also call the
Newborn Screening Program (phone 602-364-1409 or 1-800-548-8381) or visit our
website at: www.azdhs.gov/phs/owch/newbrnscrn.htm
Other hotlinks or websites include:
National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management
http://www.infanthearing.org/
http://www.Babyhearing.org
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