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Newborn hearing screening

Last reviewed: 25 June 2024

After your baby’s newborn screening, you may be feeling confused and overwhelmed by the results. Find out what the tests involved, what the results mean and where you can get further support.

About newborn hearing screening

It is a standard test given to all newborn babies in the UK. Newborn hearing screening involves two tests: the automated otoacoustic emission (AOAE) test and the automated auditory brainstem response test (AABR).

The tests are quick, simple and completely painless for your baby.

Find out more about the newborn hearing screening programme where you live.

Automated otoacoustic emission (AOAE) test

The AOAE test is the first screening test carried out after birth. It only takes a few minutes.

During the test, a specially trained hearing screener or health visitor will place a soft-tipped probe in your baby’s ear and play a series of clicking sounds. If your baby's inner ear (known as the cochlea) is working effectively, it should produce a faint response to the clicking sounds.

It’s not always possible to get a clear response the first time, but this does not necessarily mean your baby has a permanent hearing loss. It could be because:

  • there was background noise during the test
  • your baby was unsettled
  • your baby has fluid or a temporary blockage in their ear.

If there is not a clear response from one or both ears, the AOAE test may be repeated or the AABR test will be carried out.

Automated auditory brainstem response test (AABR)

The AABR test involves placing three small sensors on your baby’s head and playing gentle clicking noises through soft headphones. This test takes between 5 to 15 minutes. All babies who have been in a Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) for 48 hours or longer or who have a known risk of hearing loss will have both tests done.

Depending on the results, further tests may be needed. Find out more about other types of hearing tests for children and young people.

Why newborn hearing screening is important

Newborn hearing screening helps identify if your baby has a hearing loss as early as possible. This is important for their future development, and it means you can get the support and advice you need right from the start.

What the results mean

If your baby’s newborn screening identified a hearing loss or the results were not clear, you’ll be referred to the audiology clinic for more detailed tests.

There could be reasons other than deafness to explain why your baby needs more tests. For example, this may happen if your child has fluid in the ear canal from the birth or temporary hearing loss, such as glue ear.

Further tests at the audiology clinic will confirm if your baby’s hearing loss is permanent or temporary. As your baby gets older, their hearing tests will be repeated to get a clearer picture of their hearing loss.

There are different levels of hearing loss, which are often described as mild, moderate, severe and profound. Hearing loss can affect both ears (bilateral deafness) or one ear (unilateral deafness). Learn more about different levels and types of hearing loss.

Your audiologist (a health professional who specialises in hearing) will take you through the results of your baby’s hearing tests. They’ll talk to you about the sounds your baby can and cannot hear. As deafness can vary, your baby’s level of hearing loss will determine what support they need.

Who to ask if you have questions

At the audiology clinic, you can ask your audiologist to answer any questions you have. Take a list of questions with you, and make sure you fully understand the answers they give. Ask for copies or take photos of test results and reports for your records.

You need to feel comfortable with the management of your baby’s hearing loss, so if you’re not happy, it’s OK to ask for a second opinion. There’s no legal right to have a second opinion on the NHS, but it’s rarely refused if you ask.

You can find a list of questions to ask at audiology in our booklet, Understanding Your Child's Hearing Tests.

You’re not alone

Many deaf children are born to hearing parents who have limited experience of deafness. It’s common to feel sad, worried or even angry when you find out your baby has hearing loss. If you need more information and support, we’re here for you. You might like to: