Skip to main content

My Baby Did Not Pass the Hearing Screen

More testing is needed to know how your baby is hearing. Don't worry, but don't wait to schedule this test. It's important to know if sounds are reaching your baby's brain as soon as possible. Missing any sounds, even soft ones, can affect how your baby learns and how their brain grows.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Rescreen.

If your baby did not pass the screen shortly after birth, the same test should be repeated within 2 weeks. This second test is called a hearing rescreen. The hospital will help schedule the rescreen before you leave. If not, contact the MI Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program at 517-335-8955. Both the first screen and rescreen should be done before your baby is 1 month old.

Step 2: Diagnostic Test.

If your baby does not pass the rescreen a diagnostic test is needed. A diagnostic test is a group of tests that give specific information about how your baby hears in each ear. This should be done before your baby is 3 months old. The earlier the better!

It is important to schedule this diagnostic test with a specialist called a pediatric audiologist. A pediatric audiologist is a licensed professional with the training and equipment to test babies’ hearing. Click here for a list of pediatric audiologists near you: Pediatric Audiologists by County.

Hearing screening steps graphic
How do I get ready for my baby's hearing test?