Detecting hearing loss in infants

In Minnesota, newborns receive a hearing screening before they leave the hospital, and 99% receive a screening. Hearing loss (or hearing difference) is one of the most common conditions identified through newborn screening. As a caregiver, you may notice if a child seems to have hearing loss and suggest a referral. Early hearing detection and intervention is important to help support infants gain the language and communication skills they need to thrive. 

1-3-6 goals 

The newborn hearing screening and follow-up video explains the hearing screening process. 

• Birthing centers usually screen hearing before hospital discharge, or by one month if delivered outside of a hospital.  
• If a child doesn’t pass, a follow-up exam with a pediatric audiologist should be conducted as soon as possible but no later than three months of age.  
• If a hearing loss is confirmed, a referral is given to early intervention through Help Me Grow, to ensure the child is enrolled before 6 months of age. 

Early intervention is provided for free in Minnesota by staff who work with infants and toddlers zero to 3 years old and their families. 

Why is hearing screening important? 

Language begins to develop at birth. A child with hearing loss may have difficulty learning language without early support. If a baby has hearing loss, it may not be noticeable to parents or providers because many babies with hearing loss startle to sounds and even appear to listen. Screening at birth, with follow-up testing for those that don’t pass, is the only way to find hearing loss early 

Babies who are deaf or hard of hearing need extra support gaining language skills and ensuring positive social-motional development. 

Resources 

Find early hearing detection and intervention resources for families and caregivers online from the Minnesota Department of Health. To refer a child for services, visit HelpMeGrowMN.org.