Leaflets - Your baby's visit to the audiology clinic
This leaflet is for parents of a baby who needs a hearing assessment.
It explains:
- why your baby needs another hearing test;
- how likely it is that your baby has a hearing loss;
- when and where the test is done;
- the type of hearing test done;
- what will happen after the test.
Why does my baby need another hearing test?
The screening tests did not show a clear response from one or both of your baby's ears. This does not necessarily mean your baby has a hearing loss. It may be because:
- your baby was unsettled;
- fluid was present in the ears after birth;
- there was too much noise near your baby when the test was done.
You can choose whether or not your baby has this test.
How likely is it that my baby has a hearing loss?
One or two babies in every 1000 are born with a hearing loss in both ears. Most of these babies are born into families where no-one else has a hearing loss. A smaller number are born with a hearing loss in one ear. A baby who needed special care may be more likely to have a hearing loss. Finding out early means that you and your baby get support and information right from the start.
For every 10 babies who have another hearing test, one will have a permanent hearing loss.
When and where will the test will be done?
The test will be done in a special hospital clinic. We will send most babies an appointment for the test about four weeks after the screening test. Babies who are born very early will be tested after the date they were due to be born. This allows time for your baby’s hearing pathway to develop.
How is the test done?
The test is done by an audiologist (hearing specialist). The test is done while your baby is settled or asleep. Three small sticky pads are put on your baby's head. Headphones are put over your baby's ears, which will make different sounds. A computer shows the audiologist how your baby's ears are responding to the sounds. The appointment may take up to two hours and includes time to settle your baby to sleep. You can stay with your baby while the test is done.
What happens after the test?
If both of your baby's ears show a clear response, this means that your baby is unlikely to have a hearing loss. The audiologist will give you information on how babies respond to sound as they grow. They will tell you what to do if you have any worries about your baby's hearing.
The test may not show a clear response from one or both of your baby's ears. The audiologist will explain what this means. There are different types and levels of hearing loss. More tests may be needed before you know about your baby’s hearing. The audiologist will plan with you the best time for your baby to have more tests.
Further tests that are used
The audiologist may repeat the first test your baby had.
A small sound maker may be placed behind your baby’s ear. A computer shows the audiologist how your baby’s ears are responding to the sound.
A small soft-tipped earpiece may be put in the outer part of your baby’s ear. This makes a clicking sound. A computer shows the audiologist how your baby’s ears are responding to the sound.
A different small soft-tipped earpiece may be put in the outer part of your baby’s ear. This will show whether there is fluid in your baby’s ear.
If your baby has a hearing loss, you will be offered support and information.
Finding out more
The audiologist will answer any questions you have after the test. If you would like more information or want to talk about your baby’s hearing, you can contact the following people:
- North Wales: Doctor Meg Shepherd
- South East Wales: Doctor Amanda Roberts
- Mid and West Wales: Doctor Elaine English
You can also contact the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). The society has a helpline for parents and families who would like information about hearing tests and any type of childhood hearing loss.
NDCS Freephone helpline: 0808 800 8880
NDCS website: www.ndcs.org.uk
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