It is important to find hearing loss as soon as possible. If hearing loss is found early, things can be done to make sure children do well when they begin school. It is important that your infant is:

Screened for hearing loss before hospital discharge or by one month of age
Evaluated by an audiologist by three months of age (if he or she doesn't pass two hearing screens)
Enrolled in early intervention services by six months of age (if a hearing loss has been found)

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	Frequently Asked Questions
	Why do infants need their hearing screened?
	Where can I take my baby for a hearing screen?

	Where can I take my baby for a second hearing screen?
	What should I do if my baby doesn't pass his or her second hearing screen?

	Where should I take my baby for an audiologic evaluation?
	How can I learn more about my baby's hearing loss? What should I do next?

	What family resources are available in my area?

Why do infants need their hearing screened?
It is important to find hearing loss as soon as possible. If hearing loss is found early, it is easier for babies to learn. Can Your Baby Hear? Your Baby's First Hearing Screen is a parent brochure that has more information about newborn hearing screening. English, Spanish, and Russian versions are available.

Where can I take my baby for a hearing screen?
Your baby can have a hearing screen at any of the facilities on this list: Out-patient Screening Facilities (70KB PDF).

Where can I take my baby for a second hearing screen?
Your baby can have a second hearing screen at any of the facilities on this list: Out-patient Screening Facilities (70KB PDF).

What should I do if my baby doesn't pass his or her second hearing screen?
If your baby doesn't pass the second hearing screen, you should make an appointment with a Pediatric Audiologist (226KB PDF) (a hearing specialist) for a hearing test as soon as possible. If Your Baby is Referred for a Hearing Evaluation (available in English, Spanish, and Russian) is a parent brochure that has more information about why your baby needs further testing and what you should do.

Where should I take my baby for an audiologic evaluation?
If your baby needs an evaluation from an audiologist, you may review our Pediatric Audiology Services Guide (226KB PDF) or contact 206-418-5613.

How can I learn more about my baby's hearing loss? What should I do next?
If your child has hearing loss, there are many resources available for you and your family. This Care Plan (1312KB PDF) tells you the important steps you should take once your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss.

Additionally, please see our Hearing Loss Resource Guide for Families of Children with Hearing Loss (496KB PDF), also in Russian (484KB PDF), Somali (575KB PDF) and Spanish (470KB PDF). It has helpful information about your child's hearing loss, different communication and technology options, and resources for your family.

Other resources are available on our Links and Publications pages. If you are unable to download these materials, please contact 206-418-5613.

What family resources are available in my area?
To find resources for you and your family, please see our County Resources Guide. For resources in your county, use our County Resources page, click on your county's name for local resources. You may also contact the EHDDI Program at 206-418-5613.

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Last Update : 11/18/2009 01:43 PM