At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, we understand that early detection of hearing loss in newborns is critical for healthy speech and language development. With hearing being one of the most important senses for early communication, it is essential to screen newborns for hearing issues as soon as possible.
How Common Is Hearing Loss in Newborns?
Hearing loss in newborns is more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 to 3 in every 1,000 babies are born with some form of detectable hearing loss. Early detection of hearing impairment is crucial because the sooner hearing loss is identified, the sooner intervention and treatment can begin, helping babies develop essential speech and language skills.
Why Newborn Hearing Screening Is Important
Newborn hearing screening is a simple, non-invasive process that can identify potential hearing issues at an early age. Identifying hearing loss early allows for immediate interventions, which can include hearing aids, speech therapy, or other assistive devices. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children, giving them the best chance for speech, language, and cognitive development.
Untreated hearing loss during early development can lead to difficulties in speech and language acquisition, social isolation, and academic struggles as the child grows. This is why newborn hearing screening is not only recommended but also required in many places to help identify issues before they affect the child’s development.
Types of Newborn Hearing Screenings Offered at Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic
At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, we offer two advanced and effective hearing screening tests for newborns:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
The Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test is a highly effective method used to assess the hearing function of newborns. It measures the electrical activity in the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound. During the test, small electrodes are placed on the baby’s head, and sounds are played through earphones. The test records the brain’s response to these sounds, helping determine if there are any issues with the hearing pathways in the ear and brain.
ABR testing is typically done in a quiet environment while the baby is asleep, making it a quick and non-invasive procedure. This test is especially useful for detecting hearing loss that might not be immediately apparent through physical observation or other testing methods. - Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) are sounds that the inner ear generates in response to auditory stimuli. The OAE test checks for these sounds to determine how well the inner ear is functioning. A small probe is placed in the baby’s ear canal, and soft sounds are played to stimulate the ear. If the inner ear is functioning properly, it will produce a faint echo that can be detected by the probe.
OAEs are a great screening tool because they can help identify if there is damage to the cochlea (the sensory organ for hearing). If no emissions are detected, this may indicate a need for further hearing evaluations.
Hearing Milestones: What to Expect and When
Newborn hearing screening is just the beginning of tracking a child’s hearing development. After the screening, it’s important to monitor your child’s hearing milestones to ensure their hearing continues to develop appropriately. Here are some typical hearing milestones to keep in mind:
0 to 3 Months
- Reacts to loud sounds by startling or crying.
- Begins to recognize voices and sounds, especially familiar voices.
- May calm down or turn toward sounds.
4 to 6 Months
- Begins to turn toward sounds, especially speech.
- Starts to babble and make simple vowel sounds.
- Reacts to their name being called or other familiar sounds.
6 to 9 Months
- Responds to music, clapping, or other rhythmic sounds.
- Begins to use different sounds (babbling) to communicate.
- Starts to recognize and respond to their own name.
9 to 12 Months
- Can imitate sounds and speech patterns.
- Reacts to simple commands like “no” or “come here.”
- May begin to say their first words.
12 to 24 Months
- Understands simple words and phrases like “bye-bye” or “all done.”
- Uses a range of simple words and can understand more complex commands.
- Demonstrates the ability to follow simple instructions.
2 to 3 Years
- Enjoys listening to stories and songs.
- Can recognize and point to familiar objects when named.
- Uses 2-3 word sentences and is learning to communicate more effectively.
If at any point your child’s hearing development seems delayed or different from the milestones listed above, it may be beneficial to schedule a follow-up screening with an audiologist. Early identification of hearing loss can ensure that your child gets the support they need for proper speech and language development.
Conclusion
Newborn hearing screening is a crucial step in ensuring that your baby has the best start in life when it comes to their hearing and communication development. At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, we offer comprehensive testing options like Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) to help detect hearing issues early.
If you are a new parent or caregiver, we encourage you to ensure your baby has their hearing checked. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s ability to develop speech and language skills. Contact Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic today to schedule a hearing screening for your newborn or to learn more about our services.