Screening Programme
|
Public
 | Frequently Asked QuestionsMany parents may have questions about their baby’s hearing screening test. This page shows some common questions asked by parents. If you have a question and cannot find the answer below or within this website please email us. Alternatively you can always discuss any questions with your midwife, hearing screener or audiologist.
1. What tests do they do at 8 month follow up?Usually Visual Response Audiometry (VRA) is suitable to assess infants from six months to about two and a half years. This involves playing sounds of different frequencies (pitch) and intensities (loudness) through speakers. When the child hears the sound they will turn their head and will receive a visual reward - e.g. a moving toy. If it is important to check each ear individually the Audiologist may use small earphones. The assessment may also include Tympanometry - this test looks at how the middle ear is working (it isn't a test of hearing). It involves a small earpiece placed gently in the ear. This is a good test to identify 'glue ear' which is a temporary hearing loss which is common in young children. 2. My baby was screened at birth and had clear responses, but I now have concerns whether they can hear normally. What should I do?Contact your local GP or Health Visitor who will be able to arrange for your baby/child to have a hearing assessment. 3. Will screening be painful for my baby?No. It does not hurt and is not uncomfortable. The screening test will usually be done while your baby is asleep and is very quick. 4. How quickly should screening take place and what should I do if my baby is missed?If your area offers screening in hospital, then it should take place before discharge (screening can occur within a few hours of birth). If screening hasn't taken place before you and your baby were discharged you will be given an outpatient appointment to take home with you, or be contacted soon after with the appointment details. 5. Are there any risks in using the equipment? If so, what are they?All the equipment is safe. The screener will explain how the equipment works and show it to the parent prior to screening.6. How common are hearing problems in downs syndrome babies?Hearing problems can occur in over 50% of babies with Downs Syndrome so it's really important that they have their hearing checked especially as they are prone to "glue ear" which means the baby can have a hearing loss that fluctuates. There is more information regarding this on the Downs Syndrome Association's website: www.dsmig.org.uk 7. Why is the Mother's consent required for Newborn Hearing Screening when it is not required for other more invasive procedures? Also can the father/partner give consent (whether married or not)?Consent is required for the Newborn Hearing Screen as the screen is being offered and parents can make a choice about whether they would like their baby's hearing screened. 8. Can high volume music or other noises have an adverse effect on an infant's hearing?Excessive noise can damage the ear and ultimately cause a hearing loss. The sounds used in the equipment for Newborn Hearing Screening are much quieter and will not cause the baby any harm.9. Does the screen detect very mild hearing losses?The screen is designed to pick up moderate or worse hearing loss. It will not necessarily pick up mild losses and that is why it is important that parents continue to monitor their child's hearing. If at any stage a parent is concerned about their child's hearing they should see their Health Visitor or GP.10. If my baby has confirmed hearing loss in one ear will this affect his development and are there any operations to repair hearing loss?If your baby refers from the screen you will be given an appointment to go to the local Audiology Department where their hearing will be assessed.If the outcome of this assessment is that there is a hearing impairment in one ear it depends on the cause and severity of the loss as to what treatment or intervention is given. The Audiologist will explain the results to you at the time and discuss with you what is best for your child. 11. My baby is 12 days old and had no clear responses in both ears, does this happen often or should I be worried?Getting a "no clear response" from the screen doesn't necessarily mean that a baby has a hearing loss, but it does mean that your baby needs his/her hearing looking at more carefully. If your baby has a "no clear response" from one or both ears when the screen is complete you will be given an appointment to attend a local Audiology Department where your baby's hearing will be assessed and the results will be discussed with you.12. What is the NHS Number and why is it important for my baby to have one?From October 2002 every newborn baby has been allocated a unique 10-digit NHS Number soon after birth as part of the statutory birth notification. 13. Where can I find more information about hearing from the NHS?NHS Direct provides information about medical conditions online, through digital TV and through a 24-hour helpline. See their website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or phone them on 0845 4647. Hearing-related articles on the NHS website include: 14. I have heard in the media that there is a link between the hearing tests used in the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Is this true and should I be worried if my baby did not get clear responses on the screen?A recent study was published by Daniel Rubens in association with the Rhode Island Newborn Hearing Screening Programme in the USA. Due to the fact that this is a single, small, unreplicated study, parents can be reassured that a 'no clear response' result on the AOAE stage of the newborn hearing screen does not mean their baby is at an increased risk of SIDS. |
