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Health Information Center

Screening for Hearing Loss

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Screening for Hearing Loss

The purpose of screening is to find a health problem early and treat it. Hearing screening is a test to tell if someone has hearing loss. It is given to all babies because hearing plays a role in development. There are no guidelines for screening adults for hearing loss.

All babies should be screened for hearing loss from birth to by age 1 month. Babies who do not pass the screening should have a full hearing test by age 3 months.

Children who are at risk for hearing loss should have at least 1 hearing test by age 2 to 2 and a half years. Children who do not pass should have a full hearing test done right away.

References

  • Hearing loss. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Hearing-Loss.aspx. Accessed May 11, 2022.
  • Hearing screening. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Hearing-Screening. Accessed May 11, 2022.
  • Screening and diagnosis of hearing loss. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/screening.html. Accessed May 11, 2022.
  • Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sudden-sensorineural-hearing-loss. Accessed May 11, 2022.

Contributors

  • Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated:
2022-03-11

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.