About newborn hearing screening - The screen – results
When will I know the results?
The screener will tell you the result of the test straight away, and explain if another test is needed.
What do the results mean?
There are three possible results:
Clear response:
Most babies have a clear response from one or both of their ears. This means your baby is unlikely to have a hearing loss. The screener will give you information on how babies respond to sound as they grow. They will tell you what to do if you are worried about your baby’s hearing.
If only one of your baby’s ears shows a clear response:
Some babies show a clear response only in one ear. If this happens you may choose to have another hearing test. The screener will give you more information.
If neither of your baby’s ears show a clear response:
Some babies do not show a clear response in either of their ears. It does not always mean your baby has a hearing loss.
The screener will offer you another hearing test for your baby. They will give you more information about what happens next.
Clear responses may not be seen if:
- Your baby is unsettled;
- There is fluid in the ear (from the birth);
- There is too much noise near the baby when the test is done; or
- Your baby has a hearing loss.
If more tests are needed an audiologist (hearing specialist) will send an appointment. This will be sent within four weeks from when you had your baby’s hearing screening result.
Babies who have had special care for more than two days
If there is a clear response from both of your baby’s ears it is unlikely that your baby has a hearing loss that will affect speech and language development. No further hearing screening tests are needed. The screener will give you information on how babies respond to sound as they grow and what to do if you have any worries about your baby’s hearing.
What happens if my baby needs a further test with an audiologist?
About 1 or 2 in every 100 babies will need tests with an audiologist after the screening test. These tests need to be done when a baby is still likely to sleep a lot during the day and you will be sent an appointment for the test within 4 weeks of your baby’s hearing screening test. If your baby spent time in the special care baby unit (SCBU) this appointment will be sent within 8 weeks. Babies who are born early will be tested after the date they were due to be born. This allows time for your baby’s hearing to develop.
For more information on the hearing assessment appointment click here, or you can read our leaflet Your Baby’s Visit to the Audiology Clinic.
How likely is it that my baby has a hearing loss?
Out of 1,000 babies born, 1 or 2 will have a hearing loss in both ears.
Most of these babies will be born in to families where no one else has a hearing loss. A smaller number are born with a hearing loss in one hear. A baby who needed special care may be more likely to have a hearing loss. For every 10 babies who have this hearing test, one will have a permanent hearing loss.
Will my baby need any more hearing tests if a clear response was seen on the screen?
Babies who have a clear response on the newborn hearing screen will not usually need to have further hearing tests, but these may be recommended by a Doctor. A hearing test is offered for all children in Wales in the year that they start school.
It is important to check your baby’s hearing as he or she grows. The checklist for parents helps you look for and listen to your baby’s responses. The checklist may also be found in your baby’s red book.
If you have concerns about your baby/child’s hearing, or listening responses, at any time speak to your Health Visitor or GP who can refer your baby/child to your local Audiology Department.
If you would like more information or want to talk to someone about your baby’s hearing please contact us.
Page last reviewed: 25th March 2026