Newborn Hearing Screening
Newborn hearing screening is a program that tests the hearing of infants, typically within the first few days of life, before discharge from hospital. Early identification of hearing loss is important because hearing is critical to speech, language, and cognitive development during the first years of life. The most common screening methods are otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing and automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) testing, both of which are quick, non-invasive, and can be performed while the baby sleeps.
A failed or incomplete screen indicates that further diagnostic testing is needed. It does not confirm hearing loss. In Ontario, the Infant and Toddler Hearing Program (ITHP) provides universal newborn hearing screening through participating hospitals and, for infants born at home or in smaller centres, through community follow-up services.
When hearing loss is confirmed, early hearing aid fitting and family-centred early intervention begin as soon as possible, ideally by six months of age. Research consistently shows that earlier identification and intervention lead to better speech and language outcomes.
