This test aims only to identify babies who may have a hearing loss. It is the very first stage. If the test seems to indicate a hearing loss, your baby will have other tests done soon after. If the hospital does not use this kind of test to check your baby's hearing, and you would like them to, ask if this would be possible. They may have the facilities available to do the test.
Parents are the most important people in making sure that children get off to a good start.
Parents of deaf babies face many challenges but they all agree that it is helpful to know about the deafness as early as possible. As soon as you know that your baby cannot hear, you can begin to do something about it and decide what to do next. For example, if your baby cries, you will be aware that it is important to pick them up to comfort them, as well as speaking or singing to soothe them. You will also know how important it is for your baby to be able to see you. It is possible to make a very early start, and hearing aids can be fitted as early as six weeks of age, but only if a baby is known to be deaf.