An estimated 1.3 million of these are under three years of age. You, the parents and grandparents, are usually the first to discover hearing loss in your babies, because you spend the most time with them. If, at any time, you suspect your baby has a hearing loss, discuss it with your doctor. Your baby's hearing can be professionally tested at any age. Computerized hearing tests make it possible to screen newborns.
Some babies are in a higher risk category for having hearing loss than others.
If you check any items on this list, your child should have a hearing test as soon as possible. All children should have their hearing tested before they start school. This could reveal mild hearing losses that the parent or child cannot detect. Loss of hearing in one ear may also be determined in this way. Such a loss, although not obvious, may affect speech and language.