Newborn Hearing Screening
Newborn Hearing Tests
Hearing loss is one of the most common birth defects in America. Newborn hearing screenings have become the standard in most states, including Florida, where legislation exists requiring hospitals to make these screenings available to all newborns.
KIDZ Medical Services has always taken the initiative to provide the best and most advanced neonatal and newborn services. KIDZ Medical Services started the First Sounds Newborn Hearing Screening Program in 1996, before it became mandated by the state of Florida.
Babies can't tell us if they are not hearing well. Prior to the introduction of newborn hearing screening programs in Florida, the average age of identification of hearing loss was 14 months or greater. Since the initiation of the newborn hearing screening, the average age of confirmation of hearing loss has decreased to 2-3 months of age.
Because the most critical time for stimulating the hearing and language centers of the brain is during the first few months of life, it is essential to identify hearing loss as early as possible. Delayed detection of hearing loss can negatively impact speech and language development, academic achievement, and social-emotional development. Even children with mild hearing loss or hearing loss in one ear will benefit from early detection and intervention.
Studies have shown that children with hearing loss who receive intervention services before six months of age are more likely to demonstrate better communication, academic, and social outcomes.
First Sounds hearing screenings are performed by carefully trained personnel under the supervision of a licensed and certified audiologist, using two different technologies to screen for hearing loss.
Most babies will have their hearing screened using auditory brainstem response (ABR). With an ABR screening, a soft sound is presented to the ear and sensors measure responses to the sound.
Some babies, including babies who are in the NICU, babies with a family history of hearing loss and babies with other risk factors, will also have their hearing screened with otoacoustic emissions (OAE), in which soft sounds are introduced into the ear using a small probe in the ear canal. The computerized equipment measures an "echo" that the ear makes in response to these sounds.
Each procedure gives us information about different parts of the hearing system. Both procedures are painless and are performed while the baby is resting or asleep.
The hearing screening is done while your baby rests. It takes about 15 minutes and is noninvasive.
Babies who do not pass the hearing screening on the first attempt will have a repeat screening the following day. If your baby does not pass the second screening, he or she will be referred to a licensed pediatric audiologist 1 to 3 weeks after discharge. A pediatric audiologist is a hearing specialist who is trained in the evaluation of hearing in infants and children. The hearing screening technician will make every attempt to make this appointment for you, before you leave the hospital.
Even if your baby passes the newborn hearing screening at birth, it is important to monitor your baby's hearing and language development as he/she grows, as hearing can change at any time (see Milestones below).
First Sounds recommends that every baby have their hearing evaluated by a licensed pediatric audiologist at one year of age (or six months of age if the baby was in the NICU, has a family history of hearing loss, or other identified risk factor).
The milestones will help you monitor your baby's hearing and language development. If you are concerned that your child is not developing as expected, discuss this with your pediatrician and have your baby's hearing evaluated immediately.
Hearing and Language Development Milestones from Birth to 3 Years
0-3 Months
- Startles to sudden loud noise
- Soothes or calms to your voice or music
3-6 Months
- Turns head or moves eyes to find a familiar voice or sound
- Plays at making noises and sounds (vowels, such as "ah" or "ou")
6-10 Months
- Responds to his/her own name
- Begins to understand common words, like "no" and "bye"
- Babbles double consonants (such as "dada" and "mama")
10-15 Months
- Repeats simple words and sounds that you make
- Points or searches for familiar objects when asked
15-24 Months
- Follows simple spoken directions
- Regularly uses 5-50 words
- Imitates animal and motor sounds
2 Years
- Understands when you call from another room
- Points to body parts when asked
- Begins to speak in two-word combinations, like "Mommy more"
3 years
- Remembers and repeats portions of simple rhymes or songs
- Answers simple questions
- Uses 3-5-word simple sentences
To learn more about the newborn hearing screening program, call KIDZ Medical Services at 305-661-1515.
Hearing Rescreening and Audiology Resources
If your baby did not pass the newborn hearing screening in the hospital, it is important to arrange the recommended follow-up hearing screening or diagnostic evaluation as soon as possible. Please follow the instructions provided at hospital discharge and contact your baby's pediatrician if you have questions about the next steps.
The providers listed below offer hearing screening, rescreening, and/or audiology services for infants and children in South Florida. This list is provided for informational convenience only. KIDZ Medical Services does not endorse or recommend any particular provider, guarantee the availability or quality of services, or represent that any listed provider is affiliated with KIDZ Medical Services unless expressly stated otherwise. This list is not exhaustive, and families may choose any appropriately qualified provider. Please contact the provider directly to confirm that they offer the specific testing your baby needs, their current appointment availability, insurance participation (including Medicaid plans), and any referral or authorization requirements.
Some babies, particularly those who spent time in the NICU or have certain risk factors for hearing loss, may need specialized follow-up testing, including diagnostic ABR (auditory brainstem response) testing. Please follow your baby's discharge instructions and consult your baby's pediatrician or audiologist to determine the appropriate type and timing of follow-up testing.
Pediatric Audiologists
Miami–Dade County
Hear 4 U Audiology
151 NW 11th Street
Homestead, FL 33030
305-247-8227
OAE only
South Florida ENT Hearing
3661 South Miami Avenue, Suite 407
Miami, FL 33133
305-722-6125
OAE/ABR
Nicklaus Children's Hospital
3100 SW 62 Avenue
Miami, FL 33155
Central Scheduling
Department:
305-663-8413
Kendall Audiology and Hearing Aid Center
9900 SW 107th Ave, Ste 202
Miami, FL 33176
305-595-1530
Monroe County
Hear 4 U Audiology
513 Fleming Street
Suite #11 (second floor)
Key West, FL 33040
305-247-8227
OAE only
Hear 4 U Audiology
11400 Overseas Hwy. Suite 209
Marathon, FL 33050
305-247-8227
OAE only
Broward County
South Florida ENT Hearing
3800 Johnson Street
Suite A
Hollywood, FL 33021
954-874-7707
OAE/ABR available
Memorial Regional Hospital / Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
1005 Joe DiMaggio Drive
Hollywood, FL 33021
954-276-5500 (Scheduling)
954-265-0128 (Audiology department—not for scheduling)
Palm Beach
Palm Beach Hearing Associates
Dr. Maya Beren
5608 PGA Blvd., Suite 206
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
561-500-3277
OAE/ABR
Bethesda Memorial Hospital
Centre for Speech and
Hearing
Bethesda Health City
10301 Hagen Ranch Rd Suite
B230
Boynton Beach, FL
33437
561-374-5700 (Central scheduling)
561-374-5350 (Audiology department)
OAE Only
