Taflenni - Prawf sgrinio clyw eich babi: gofal dwys y newydd-anedig neu unedau gofal arbennig i fabanod
This leaflet is for parents of babies who need special care for more than two days and explains:
- why we have offered a hearing screening test
- when and where the test is done
- how the test is done
- what the results mean
All babies are offered health checks in the first few weeks of their life. One of these checks is hearing screening. This is a quick and simple test with no risk of harm to your baby. After this test, some babies need another test in a special hospital clinic. You can choose whether or not your baby has hearing screening.
Why screen my baby's hearing?
One or two babies in every 1000 are born with a hearing loss. Most of these babies will be born into families where no-one else has a hearing loss. A baby who needs special care may be more likely to have a hearing loss. It is not easy for parents to tell if a young baby has a hearing loss. Finding out early is important for a baby’s development. It also means that support and information can be offered right from the start.
Screening does not detect all hearing loss or prevent future hearing difficulties.
When and where the test is done
If your baby is born very early, the test is usually done when your baby is 36 weeks (four weeks before your baby was due.) Most babies will have the test while they are in hospital. A small number of babies may not have the test before they go home. Others may be born in a hospital that does not offer the test. If the test is not done in hospital, we will send an appointment for it to be done at home or in a local clinic.
How the test is done
The screening test is done while your baby is settled or asleep. It will not hurt your baby or feel uncomfortable. You can stay with your baby while the test is done. A trained hearing screener will put three small sticky pads on your baby's head and neck. They will put small headphones over your baby's ears, which will make a clicking sound. A computer shows the screener how your baby's ears are responding to the sound. The screener and nurses in the special care baby unit can give you more information about the screening test.
The test result
The screener or special care nurse will tell you the result of the test and explain if another test is needed.
What the result means
If both of your baby's ears show a clear response, your baby is unlikely to have a hearing loss. The screener or special care nurse 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.
If neither or only one of your baby's ears shows a clear response, it does not necessarily mean your baby has a hearing loss. Clear responses may also not be seen if:
- the baby is unsettled;
- there is fluid in the ear after birth;
- there is too much noise near the baby when the test is done.
We will offer you a hearing test in a special hospital clinic. The screener or the nurse will give you more information. About 1 or 2 in every 100 babies need these tests. These tests also need to be done when a baby is still likely to sleep a lot during the day. We will send an appointment for the test within 8 weeks. This allows time for your baby’s hearing pathway to develop.
Waiting for another hearing test can be worrying. If you have any questions, you can ask your health visitor or contact the screening programme.
Finding out more
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about Newborn Hearing Screening Wales, please phone us on the number below:
North Wales : 01978 727005
Mid & West Wales : 01656 754085
South East Wales : 029 20784 3568
Textphone: 029 2078 7811
If you have a complaint please write to:
The Director of Screening Services
18 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9LH
[2/Version 5,10.06]