Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Topic Contents
Screening for Hearing Problems
Overview
In children
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all newborns be screened for hearing loss.footnote 1 Many states require newborn hearing tests for all babies born in hospitals. Talk to your doctor about whether your child has been or should be tested. Even if the newborn test did not show hearing loss, hearing problems could arise.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends objective hearing testing for all newborns. Objective hearing tests are also recommended for all children at ages 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10.footnote 2
Hearing tests may be a part of well-child appointments.
Some hearing problems can delay your child's speech and language development. Early screening for hearing loss can help prevent many learning, social, and emotional problems that can be related to speech and language development.footnote 3
In most hearing tests, your child responds to how well he or she hears a series of tones or words (subjective testing). Hearing is also tested by examining your child's ears or by using an instrument to measure how the ears react to sound (objective testing). In objective testing, your child is not asked to respond to sounds.
Call your doctor if at any time you suspect your child has a hearing problem, such as if your baby does not seem to respond to loud noises or your young child is not making sounds or talking at the expected ages.
In adults
Gradual hearing loss can affect people of all ages. You may not be aware of it, especially if the loss has happened over time. Your family members or friends may notice that you're having trouble understanding what others are saying. If you have concerns about your hearing, talk to your doctor during routine visits.
Related Information
References
Citations
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2008). Universal Screening for Hearing Loss in Newborns: Recommendation Statement. Available online: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf08/newbornhear/newbhearrs.htm.
- Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine, Bright Futures Periodicity Schedule Workgroup (2014). 2014 recommendations for pediatric preventive health care. Pediatrics, published online February 24, 2014. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2013–4096. Accessed March 7, 2014.
- Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, American Academy of Pediatrics (2007). Year 2007 position statement: Principles and guidelines for early hearing detection and intervention programs. Pediatrics, 120(4): 898–921. Also available online: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/120/4/898.
Credits
Current as of: March 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Charles M. Myer III MD - Otolaryngology
- Top of the page
Next Section:
Related Information
Previous Section:
Overview- Top of the page
Next Section:
References
Previous Section:
Related Information- Top of the page
Next Section:
Credits
Previous Section:
References- Top of the page
Current as of: March 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Charles M. Myer III MD - Otolaryngology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.