Newborn Hearing Screening: Why Every Hospital Should Do It
- Hearing Solutions
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 29
Every newborn deserves a hearing screening within the first month of life. In Pakistan, most hospitals still do not offer this essential test — and thousands of children pay the price with delayed speech and development.
Learn more at Professional Hearing Solutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Call 0332-5014111.
What Is Newborn Hearing Screening?
Newborn hearing screening is a painless, quick test performed on babies within days of birth. It detects hearing loss before any signs are visible, allowing immediate intervention during the critical brain development window.
OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) — a tiny probe plays sounds in the baby's ear and measures echo responses from the inner ear
ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) — electrodes on the head measure brain response to sounds played through earphones
Both tests are painless, take 5-15 minutes, and can be done while the baby sleeps
A 'pass' means hearing is likely normal; a 'refer' means further testing is needed
No needles, no sedation, no discomfort for the baby
Why Early Detection Matters
Intervention Age | Speech Outcome |
Before 6 months | Near-normal speech and language development |
6-12 months | Good outcomes but some delays possible |
1-2 years | Moderate delays — harder to catch up |
2-3 years | Significant delays — speech therapy needed extensively |
After 3 years | Severe impact — may never achieve age-appropriate speech |
Current Situation in Pakistan
Less than 5% of hospitals in Pakistan offer newborn hearing screening
No national universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) program exists
Most children with hearing loss are identified only at age 2-3 when speech delays become obvious
By this time, the critical language development window has partially closed
Rural and semi-urban areas have virtually zero screening availability
Private hospitals in major cities are slowly adopting screening programs
The 1-3-6 Rule for Early Hearing Detection
Screen by 1 month of age — every baby should have hearing screening before leaving the hospital or within the first month
Diagnose by 3 months — if screening indicates possible hearing loss, complete diagnostic testing by 3 months
Intervene by 6 months — if hearing loss is confirmed, fit hearing aids and begin early intervention by 6 months
This timeline gives the child the best chance for normal speech and language development
Professional Hearing Solutions follows the 1-3-6 protocol for all pediatric patients
Types of Hearing Tests Available
Professional Hearing Solutions offers a complete range of diagnostic hearing tests using calibrated audiological equipment. Each test provides specific information about your hearing health.
Test | What It Measures | Duration | Who Needs It |
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) | Hearing sensitivity at different frequencies | 15-20 minutes | Everyone — baseline hearing assessment |
Tympanometry | Middle ear function and eardrum movement | 5 minutes | Suspected middle ear problems |
Speech Audiometry | Ability to understand spoken words | 10-15 minutes | Hearing aid candidates |
OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) | Inner ear (cochlea) function | 5-10 minutes | Newborns and children |
ABR/BERA | Auditory nerve pathway function | 30-45 minutes | Infants, neurological cases |
What Happens During a Hearing Test
Case History: The audiologist asks about your hearing concerns, medical history, noise exposure, and family history of hearing loss.
Otoscopy: A visual examination of your ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to check for wax blockage, infection, or structural issues.
Pure Tone Testing: You sit in a sound-treated booth wearing headphones. Tones are played at different frequencies and volumes. You press a button when you hear each tone.
Speech Testing: Words are played through headphones at different volumes to measure your speech understanding ability.
Results Discussion: Your audiologist explains the audiogram results, identifies the type and degree of hearing loss, and discusses next steps including hearing aid options if needed.
Understanding Your Audiogram Results
Hearing Level (dB) | Classification | What It Means | Treatment |
0-25 dB | Normal | No difficulty hearing | No treatment needed |
26-40 dB | Mild Loss | Difficulty hearing soft speech | Hearing aid may help |
41-55 dB | Moderate Loss | Difficulty hearing normal conversation | Hearing aid recommended |
56-70 dB | Moderate-Severe | Difficulty hearing loud speech | Hearing aid essential |
71-90 dB | Severe Loss | Only very loud sounds heard | Powerful hearing aid needed |
91+ dB | Profound Loss | Almost no hearing | Super power aid or cochlear implant |
Who Should Get a Hearing Test?
Adults over 50: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common. Get tested every 3 years even without symptoms.
Noise-exposed workers: Factory workers, musicians, traffic police, and military personnel should test annually.
Children: Newborns should be screened at birth. Children should be tested before school enrollment and if speech development is delayed.
Anyone with symptoms: Difficulty hearing conversations, asking people to repeat, turning up TV volume, or ringing in ears (tinnitus).
Current hearing aid users: Annual hearing tests ensure your hearing aid settings match your current hearing levels.
Book Your Hearing Test
Walk-in hearing tests are available at both Professional Hearing Solutions branches. For shorter wait times, book an appointment by calling 0332-5014111. Hearing test pricing is confirmed on consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Where can I get my newborn's hearing screened in Islamabad?
Professional Hearing Solutions offers pediatric hearing screening and testing. Call 0332-5014111 to schedule an appointment.
Q2: When should my baby's hearing be tested?
Ideally within the first month of life. If your hospital did not screen at birth, get it done as soon as possible. Do not wait for signs of hearing loss.
Q3: What happens if my baby fails the screening?
A 'refer' result does not always mean hearing loss. Further diagnostic testing (diagnostic ABR) is needed to confirm. Contact Professional Hearing Solutions for follow-up testing.
Q4: Is hearing screening painful for the baby?
No. Both OAE and ABR tests are completely painless and non-invasive. They can be done while the baby sleeps.
Q5: How much does newborn hearing screening cost?
Contact Professional Hearing Solutions at 0332-5014111 for current pricing. Prices confirmed on consultation.
Visit Professional Hearing Solutions
Islamabad Branch: Office B-9, Muhammad Gulistan Khan Plaza 82 East, Besides Tehzeeb Bakers, Fazl-ul-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
Google Maps: View Islamabad Location on Map
Rawalpindi Branch: Office 5/6, Ground Floor, Siraj Plaza, Opposite Rasheed Nursing Home, Adjacent Gulzari Optics, Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi
Google Maps: View Rawalpindi Location on Map
Phone/WhatsApp: 0332-5014111
Website: www.professionalhearingsolution.com
Conclusion
Newborn hearing screening can change your child's entire future. Early detection leads to early intervention and normal development. Professional Hearing Solutions provides expert pediatric hearing screening. Call 0332-5014111.
