Your Questions - About the results
When will I know the result?
The screener will tell you the result of the test straightaway, and explain if another test is needed.
What do the results mean?
If there is a clear response from one or both of your baby’s ears it is unlikely that your baby has a hearing loss that will affect speech and language development. No further hearing screening tests are needed. The screener will give you information on how babies respond to sound as they grow and what to do if you have any worries about your baby’s hearing.
If neither 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.
If your baby has no clear response in either ear a further hearing test will be offered either by the screener, or in a special hospital clinic.
If only one of your baby’s ears shows a clear response, you may choose to have another hearing test. If your baby has been in special care for more than 48 hours we highly recommend this test.
Clear response in one ear - choices for follow up
About a fifth (20%) of all babies screened has a clear response in only one ear. Only a very small number of babies are born with a permanent hearing loss in one ear, so it is likely that your baby hears well with both ears. A clear response may also not be seen if the baby is unsettled, if there is fluid in the ear after birth or if there is too much noise near the baby when the test is done.
We will write to your GP and Health Visitor to say that your baby had a clear response on newborn hearing screening and that no further tests are needed. However, you do have the following choices:
- You may choose to have another hearing screening test. This test will be similar to the test performed by the screener but will be carried out in a hospital clinic.
- You may choose to wait and have a hearing test when your baby is seven months old. This test will be done in a local or hospital clinic.
- You may choose not to have another test. It is still important to check your baby’s hearing as he or she grows using the checklist provided.
If you choose to have another hearing test, phone the number below within a week of the screening test to make arrangements:
- North Wales 01978 727005
- Mid and West Wales 01656 754085
- South East Wales 029 2074 3568
Babies who have needed special care for more than two days
If your baby has been in special care for greater than 48 hours and only one ear shows a clear response we highly recommend a further hearing test in a special hospital clinic and this will be arranged by the screening programme.
These tests need to be done when a baby is still likely to sleep a lot during the day and you will be sent an appointment for the test within 8 weeks. This allows time for your baby’s hearing pathway to develop if born early.
The test is done by an audiologist (hearing specialist). 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. A leaflet explaining the process will be given to you at the time.
Will my baby still have the distraction test by the health visitor?
The health visitor distraction test was phased out following the introduction of the newborn screen. Babies who have the newborn hearing screen will not need to have a further hearing test at 7 months unless you or a professional has concerns about your child's hearing. In this case an appointment will be offered for a further test in the Audiology Department in your area.