Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations

If Your Baby Did Not Pass Their Newborn Hearing Screening

If your baby has a "did not pass" or "refer" result on their hearing screening test, they will need more testing. It’s important to take steps to schedule a follow up appointment.

If you baby did not pass two newborn hearing screenings, they will need a follow up diagnostic test with a trained audiologist to complete more testing to determine a baby’s hearing status. This should be done within three months of age, the earlier the better.

Find a diagnostic audiology clinic on the facilities page here.

Important Reminders:

It is important to make an appointment for a full diagnostic hearing test and any additional needed medical tests by three months of age to make sure your baby is developing on track.
Testing before three months of age is easier because your baby will need to be asleep for additional tests and this can be difficult after three months.
Some causes of hearing loss may be related to other medical concerns, and you should follow up with your child’s medical team if you have any questions.
For babies that have risk factors for developing hearing loss at a later time, it's important to have your baby’s hearing tested by a pediatric audiologist at 8 months of age to monitor any ongoing changes.
Monitor your baby’s development using these milestones and reach out to your child’s medical team if you have concerns: https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/index.html