Newborn Hearing Screening: Results, Follow-Up, and Support
Clear Answers and Caring Guidance for Your Family
As a new parent, learning that your baby did not pass their newborn hearing screening can bring up many emotions and questions. You may be wondering what the result means, whether or not your baby can hear, and what you are supposed to do next.
While a newborn hearing screening is an important first step, it is not a diagnosis of permanent hearing loss. Comprehensive follow-up testing is necessary to learn more about your baby’s hearing.
Follow-up testing is the only way to learn more about your baby’s hearing.
Texas Hearing Institute provides newborn hearing screenings, diagnostic hearing evaluations, and ongoing speech and hearing support for children and families. Our pediatric audiologists are here to help you determine the next steps after a failed newborn hearing screening.
Contact Our Newborn Hearing Screening Advocate
Call 713.337.6414 for help scheduling an appointment.
What Does “Did Not Pass” or “Refer” Mean?
A “did not pass” or “refer” result means the screening was not able to rule out significant hearing loss in one or both ears at the time of the screening. It does not automatically mean that your baby has permanent hearing loss. Babies may also be referred for further diagnostic testing based on their medical history or risk factors, even if they pass the newborn hearing screening at birth.
Even if your baby responds to voices or other sounds at home, follow-up testing after a failed newborn hearing screening is still important. Babies may respond to some sounds while having difficulty hearing others.
Our team can review the results received and help you schedule any recommended appointments.
What Should Happen Next?
Your baby’s next step will depend on their age, screening results, medical history, and whether one or both ears did not pass. Completing any recommended follow-up hearing testing helps identify any hearing issues your baby may have as early as possible.
If Your Baby Is Referred for Diagnostic Testing
If your baby did not pass their newborn hearing screening at birth, they will need a more detailed test called an auditory brainstem response evaluation, commonly known as an ABR.
An ABR gives the audiologist information about how your baby’s ears and hearing pathways respond to sound. Unlike a screening, an ABR can help determine whether hearing loss is present and provide information about the type and level of hearing loss.
Ask Us About Your Baby’s Next Step
Why Timely Follow-Up Matters
Babies begin learning about communication from the moment they’re born. They listen to voices, speech, songs, and everyday sounds long before they say their first words.
When hearing loss is identified early, families have more time to learn about communication options and connect with services that support their child’s development. Early support may include hearing technology, speech-language therapy, listening and spoken language services, sign language, or a combination of approaches.
Completing follow-up testing promptly does not mean that you have to make every decision right away. It gives your family additional time to better understand your baby’s needs and explore the options available.
What is an ABR?
An auditory brainstem response evaluation is a safe, painless, and noninvasive hearing test. It measures how your baby’s hearing system responds to different sounds while your baby is asleep.
During the evaluation, the audiologist will gently clean small areas on your baby’s forehead and behind both ears. Small stickers called electrodes will be placed on those areas to measure the hearing system’s natural response to sound.
Small earphones will then be placed in your baby’s ears. The earphones play soft clicking sounds and tones at different pitches. The audiologist will interpret responses recorded on their computer to determine how your baby is hearing.
Your baby does not need to raise a hand, turn toward a sound, or provide any other response during the test. Your baby will need to remain asleep, still, and quiet during testing so the audiologist can collect accurate information.
Is an ABR Safe?
Yes. An ABR is painless and does not use radiation. The electrodes placed on your baby’s skin only record responses. They do not send electricity into your baby. Your baby will need to be asleep, still, and quiet so the audiologist can collect accurate information.
How Long Will the Appointment Take?
The appointment is scheduled for two hours.
The ABR itself may not require the entire appointment time. Extra time is included to allow for time for your baby to fall asleep and in case your baby wakes up, needs to be fed, or needs a diaper change. The appointment also provides time for the audiologist to discuss the results with you and answer your questions.
If your baby does not sleep long enough to complete the evaluation, another appointment may need to be scheduled to perform additional testing.
Preparing for Your Baby’s ABR Appointment
The goal is for your baby to fall asleep during the appointment. Keeping your baby awake before the appointment can help them stay asleep while the testing is completed.
Before your appointment, it may be helpful to:
- Keep your baby awake for two to four hours before the evaluation
- Bring another caregiver who can help keep your baby awake during the drive
- Wait to feed your baby until the appointment begins if possible
- Bring bottles, formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, blankets, a pacifier, and other comforting items
- Every baby’s routine is different. Our audiologists understand that newborns do not always sleep on schedule and will help make the appointment as comfortable as possible for your family. Some comfort items, including swings, nursing pillows, and sound machines, will be available for your use during the appointment.
[Download ABR Test Instructions in English]
[Descarga las instrucciones para la prueba ABR en español]
Understanding Your Baby’s Results
Your pediatric audiologist will discuss the results with you in clear, understandable language.
If Your Baby Has Typical Hearing
The audiologist will explain whether any additional testing or monitoring is recommended. Families should continue watching their child’s responses to sound and monitor their speech development as they grow.
If Additional Testing Is Needed
Sometimes an evaluation does not provide all the information needed during one appointment. Your audiologist will explain why more testing is recommended and help you plan the next step.
If Hearing Loss Is Identified
Our team will help you understand what the results mean and what options are available for your child.
Depending on your baby’s needs, next steps may include:
- A referral to an ear, nose, and throat physician
- Hearing technology, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants
- A referral for early childhood intervention (ECI) services
- A referral for speech-language therapy or listening and spoken language services
- Continued hearing monitoring
Families have different goals, needs, and communication preferences. Our team provides information and support so you can make informed decisions for your child.
Texas Hearing Institute provides more than hearing testing – if it is determined that your child needs continued services, we will work together with our speech-language therapy team, family support team, and education team to ensure that your child receives the best care possible.
When Should I Contact Texas Hearing Institute?
Families can contact our team at any point in the follow-up process.
We can help if:
- Your baby did not pass their newborn hearing screening in one or both ears.
- You do not understand the newborn hearing screening results you received.
- Your baby was referred for an ABR by their pediatrician.
- Your baby did not receive a hearing screening after birth.
- You missed an earlier follow-up appointment.
- You are concerned about your baby’s responses to sound or speech and language development.
- You are unsure where to begin.
- You have questions about insurance or the cost of testing.
You do not need to understand every detail before contacting us. Share the information you have, and our team will help clarify what comes next.
Contact Our Newborn Hearing Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a “did not pass” or “refer” result mean my baby has hearing loss?
Not necessarily. A screening identifies babies who need additional testing. A diagnostic hearing evaluation is needed to determine whether hearing loss is present.
What if my baby did not pass in only one ear?
Follow-up testing is still important to determine hearing status in both ears. Hearing in both ears supports speech, language, learning, and awareness of sounds in the environment.
My baby reacts to sounds. Is follow-up testing still needed?
Yes. A baby may respond to some sounds while having difficulty hearing certain pitches or softer sounds. Observing your baby at home cannot replace a complete hearing evaluation.
What if we missed the follow-up appointment?
Your baby can still be tested. Contact Texas Hearing Institute, and our team will help you restart the follow-up process.
What if my baby did not receive a screening at the hospital?
Texas Hearing Institute provides newborn hearing screenings for babies who were not screened before leaving the hospital.
Will I receive the results at the appointment?
The audiologist will review the available results with you and explain whether any additional testing or follow-up is needed.
Does Texas Hearing Institute accept insurance and Medicaid?
Texas Hearing Institute accepts most insurance and Medicaid plans. Services are also offered on a sliding fee scale for qualifying families. Our team can help you understand coverage and available financial support.
Newborn Hearing Screening and Follow-Up in Houston
Texas Hearing Institute provides newborn hearing screenings, diagnostic ABR evaluations, pediatric audiology care, and continued support for children with hearing loss and their families.
A screening result can leave families with questions. Our team is here to provide clear information, compassionate care, and guidance through each next step.
Call 713.337.6414 or request an appointment to connect with our newborn hearing screening advocate.
Texas Hearing Institute
3100 Shenandoah Street
Houston, TX 77021
