However, it is important for you to be sure that your baby has normal hearing. The first year of life is critical to the development of normal language and speech. There are two types of hearing screen tests that may be used with your baby. Sensors measure your baby s brainwaves to determine if the sounds are heard normally. Both tests are very safe and take only minutes to evaluate each ear.
Most babies sleep through the hearing screening tests.
There are many reasons your baby may not pass the hearing screen and require a second evaluation. Perhaps your baby was too active, too wide-awake, or you were discharged before the procedure was completed. The hearing screen test can usually confirm that your baby has normal hearing at the time of the procedure. However, hearing loss can develop later after you leave the hospital for a variety of reasons. If you have a family history of hearing loss, your baby should be tested every year.