As part of the NHS Newborn Hearing Screening Programme, all of Forth Valley's newborn babies are now offered a routine hearing screen.

The screening is usually done within the first few days of life, and most likely before the baby leaves the maternity unit.
It is a very quick test, which is done by a trained hearing screener at your bedside usually while your baby is asleep. The screener uses a machine to measure how your baby's ears are responding to sounds, which are presented via a small earpiece. Your baby will not be uncomfortable at any stage of the testing. No anaesthetics are used and you will be able to stay with your baby. You will be given the results immediately, if available. Click here to see a short video clip of newborn hearing screening.

• Download NDCS leaflet - Your baby's hearing screen

Follow-up appointment

If we do not obtain a clear response from this first screening test, then this does not mean your baby has a hearing loss. There are many other reasons why your baby might not have passed. Mostly this is due to the baby's ears still being wet from delivery, but perhaps your baby would not settle or the test conditions were not ideal. You will be offered a follow-up appointment for your baby to be retested.  This retest may be carried out before you leave the maternity unit.

• Download NDCS leaflet - Your baby's follow-up hearing screen

Further testing

Many babies need to be referred to their local audiology department for further testing because the first two screening tests did not show a strong enough response. Being sent for further tests does not always mean that your baby has a hearing loss although there is the possibility. About two babies in each thousand are born with some degree of hearing loss in one or both ears. Therefore it is important to attend your baby's screening, even if you think they are responding to sound. Finding out early will mean that your baby receives specialised care from the start. This is important for your baby's development.

What does the test involve?

A small insert is placed in your baby's ear and a computer measures the responses to the clicking sounds, which are presented. Up to four small sensors may or may not be placed around your baby's head, depending on the type of test carried out. Testing usually takes place in a quiet room. The appointment may take a little while if we have to wait for your baby to settle. Our audiologists recommend that you allow about 90 minutes for your baby's appointment. Better responses are obtained if your baby is asleep, so try not to let your baby sleep before the test. Sometimes feeding and changing your baby just before the test will also help them to settle better. Try not to bring any other children to the appointment, as this might provide unwanted distractions.

After the test, your audiologist will be able to give you the results (if known), or rebook your baby for further testing.

• Download NDCS leaflet - Your baby's visit to the audiology clinic

More information and leaflets can be found on the Websites of The National Deaf Children's Society and The Newborn Hearing Screening Programme.