Newborn Hearing Screening

Everything parents need to know about the NHS Newborn Hearing Screening Programme, including what the test involves, when it happens, and what the results mean.

The NHS Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) is offered to all babies born in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is one of the most important early health checks your baby will receive.

Why newborn hearing screening matters

Around 1 in 1,000 babies is born with permanent hearing loss in one or both ears. Without screening, hearing loss in babies may not be detected until the child is 2–3 years old, by which time speech and language development may already be affected. Early detection enables earlier intervention, leading to better outcomes for speech, language, and learning.

When is the test done?

The hearing screening test is usually carried out within the first few weeks of life — ideally before the baby is 5 weeks old. For babies born in hospital, it may be done before discharge. For home births or early discharges, an outpatient appointment will be arranged.

What the test involves

The screening test is quick, painless, and non-invasive. A small, soft-tipped earpiece is placed in the baby's ear while they are settled or sleeping. The test uses one of two methods:

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) — the earpiece plays gentle sounds and a microphone measures the response from the inner ear
Auditory brainstem response (ABR) — small sensors are placed on the baby's head to measure how the auditory nerve responds to sound through small headphones

Understanding the results

Results are given as:

Clear response — hearing is likely to be normal in the tested ear
No clear response — this does not necessarily mean your baby has hearing loss. Many babies need a follow-up test, often because of fluid or debris in the ear. Further testing will be arranged promptly

If hearing loss is confirmed

If further testing confirms hearing loss, your baby will be referred to a specialist paediatric audiology team. Support may include hearing aids, cochlear implant assessment, and referral to early years hearing support services. The earlier support begins, the better the outcomes for your child's development.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the newborn hearing test compulsory?

The test is not compulsory but is strongly recommended. It is offered free to all babies as part of the NHS screening programme. Parents can choose to decline, but early detection of hearing loss gives the best chance of supporting your child's development.

What if my baby doesn't pass the screening?

A 'no clear response' result does not always mean hearing loss. Many babies need a repeat test, often due to fluid or movement during the initial screening. Further tests will be arranged to get a definitive result.

Can hearing loss in babies be treated?

Yes. Depending on the type and degree of hearing loss, options include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and specialist support services. Early intervention leads to the best outcomes for speech and language development.

What if we missed the newborn hearing screening?

If your baby was not screened, contact your health visitor or GP. Screening can still be arranged. The sooner any hearing loss is detected, the sooner support can begin.