Ideally, hearing screening takes place prior to the baby's discharge from hospital, with parental consent. The screen is non-invasive and carried out by a nurse trained in hearing screening.

Several small sensor pads which record the baby's response to sound are placed on the baby's head, and soft clicking sounds are played into the baby's ear through soft earphones.  The screening equipment automatically records whether the baby has passed the screen ('pass result') or requires a second screen ('refer result').  If a baby receives a 'refer result' again on the second screen, the baby is referred to an Audiologist for further hearing tests.  At this stage parents are issued with the explanatory brochure 'Your baby's audiology hearing test'.

Important Note

While a baby may have passed a hearing screen their hearing can change over time. Click here to access a checklist for your baby's hearing and speech.

What if a baby leaves hospital before having their hearing screened? Or is not born in a birthing hospital?

A free hearing screen can be arranged for babies up til the age of 3 months as an hospital outpatient. 

To arrange a screen contact your closest screening site; screening locations.