AAP Recommends Universal Newborn Hearing Screening

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends hearing screenings for all newborns. The goal is for all infants to be screened by one month of age; ideally before they leave the hospital. 

Hearing problems should be identified by three months of age. Infants who are identified as deaf or hard of hearing should be enrolled in an early intervention program or treatment by the age of six months.

Helpful Tips: 

• Obtain chart documents from delivery hospital or perform hearing screening at baby’s first checkup. 
• Place electronic medical record (EMR) screening alert flags. 
• Obtain parental written informed consent for release of information at first contact with the early intervention program for information to be shared with the primary care physician (PCP). 
• Make referrals to the early intervention office in the county of residence, not the county of birth.

When referring to the early intervention program, be sure to include the child’s name and date of birth, complete address, primary language, or the type of communication of the child and parent/legal guardian. 

You should also include: 

• Parent/legal guardian names and addresses, if different from the child, and phone number(s) (multiple numbers if possible). 
• Race/ethnicity. 
• Reason for the referral. 
• Developmental concerns. 
• Hearing status. 
• Completed testing results. 
• Insurance information.

Learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about early hearing detection and intervention.