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Hearing Screeners
An in-patient hearing screening should be performed between 24-48 hours after birth for all well newborns, unless the parent refuses. Hearing screenings can be performed at a hospital, a birthing facility, or in the home by a midwife. If a newborn does not pass the in-patient hearing screening, an out-patient screening should be performed within 30 days of life. Screening results and information are required to be submitted to the Department of Health within seven days of each screening. Detailed guidance on hearing screening protocols and reporting requirements can be found in the "Hearing Screening Instructions for Submitters" document.
Audiologists
A baby who has been referred for a diagnostic evaluation following an in-patient or out-patient hearing screening should be scheduled for a diagnostic evaluation as soon as possible, but no later than 3 months of age.
An audiologist should complete a comprehensive audiologic evaluation and report test results to the child's primary care physician and the Division of Newborn Screening and Genetics. Audiologists should also refer children with hearing loss to Early Intervention (EI) and provide parents with information about hearing loss, communication options, and education options. Additional guidance can be found in the "Instructions for Audiologists" document.
Primary Care Physicians
If an infant does not pass the re-screening, his/her primary care provider (PCP) is notified. PCP directs and coordinates the follow-up evaluation and referral process within the child's medical home. Usually, the PCP refers the infant to an audiologist with expertise in the evaluation of infant hearing loss for a diagnostic evaluation. Guidance and tips for PCPs can be found in the "Instructions for Primary Care Physicians" document.