What does it mean if a baby “refers” (does not pass) with the newborn hearing screening?
If a baby refers on the newborn hearing screen, it does NOT necessarily mean that a child has a hearing loss. It means that a follow-up screen is needed within a couple of weeks to ensure that your baby has normal hearing. Many babies who need a follow-up screen will have normal hearing. You may ask why a baby with normal hearing would fail the newborn hearing-screening test. Common reasons include: • birth debris in the ear canal • middle ear fluid • movement and/or crying of the baby during the screen or noise in the nursery • possible hearing loss A health care provider will visit with you about the importance of follow-up and where you can go to have your baby re-screened. Options for a re-screen include: • birth hospital (many hospitals in Iowa allow babies born at their facility to return for a re-screen) • local Area Education Agency (AEA) audiologists (hearing screening provided at no cost to the family) • private practice audiologists Even though most babies will pass the foll
