"Your baby's hearing test results show that he/she didn't pass."

Getting negative results to a Newborn Hearing Screening can strike terror in a parent's heart during what is supposed to be a joyous time of welcoming a little one into the world. The Newborn Hearing Screening is one of the few tests that a newborn receives shortly after birth, with immediate results given to the parents. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, thirteen states allow exemptions if parents object to the testing.

Hospitals use one of two kinds of testing: Otoacoustic Emission Test (OAE) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR). Of the two tests, babies are more likely to show a false positive test with an OAE test.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that 1 in 3 per 1,000 babies are diagnosed with hearing loss each year.

Sometimes the tests are wrong, parents are often told. Don't worry too much, just follow-up with the test in the upcoming weeks.

And indeed, there are cases where the test has produced a false positive reading, which can occur if a baby has fluid in the ears.

Follow-up is important after a Newborn Hearing Screening--studies show that the earlier a baby is identified, the sooner language and communication strategies can be employed with favorable outcomes.

Babies can pass the Newborn Hearing Screening and exhibit signs of hearing loss as they grow up. If you have concerns about your child's hearing, seek out a hearing test through a pediatric audiologist.

For more information on Newborn Hearing Screening and follow-up support:

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Family Support

Hands & Voices

My Baby's Hearing

American Society for Deaf Children

Alexander Graham Bell Association