A newborn baby comes into the world with an impressive array of abilities, but without a manual. Seeing is still somewhat vague, motor skills come step by step and communication consists mainly of crying, yawning and crazy noises. Yet there is one sense that is crucial from day one: hearing. Hearing forms the basis for speech, language and contact with the world. This is exactly why hearing screening in babies is not a formality, but a silent hero in the maternity period.
Why hearing screening is so important
Hearing loss in babies is more common than many parents think. Every year hundreds of children are born in the Netherlands with a congenital hearing problem. You can’t tell by looking at a baby. He or she drinks, sleeps and laughs just as sweetly as anyone else. The difference is in what doesn’t come in: sound.
Without good auditory input, a baby lacks essential building blocks for language development. Think sounds, rhythm, intonation and repetition. If hearing loss is detected late, it can lead to speech and language delays that are difficult to catch up with. Early detection therefore makes a world of difference.
When does hearing screening take place?
In the Netherlands, hearing screening is routinely offered in the first weeks after birth. Usually this is done at home, in a quiet environment, through the youth health care. In some cases, screening takes place in the hospital, for example when a baby stays there longer.
The screening is deliberately done so early because hearing plays a key role in brain development in the first months of life. The brain grows at lightning speed and adapts based on what it hears. Or just what it doesn’t hear.
How does hearing screening work?
Hearing screening does not look at whether a baby responds to sound. That would be unreliable, because some babies sleep through everything and others are already startled by their own movements. Therefore, hearing is measured objectively.
The most commonly used method is the OAE measurement. Thereby:
- soft clicking sounds are presented in the ear
- measures whether the inner ear responds to it
- is checked for an echo (oto-acoustic emission) return
If that ultrasound comes back, then the inner ear is functioning as expected. For the baby, this examination is completely painless, and he or she usually sleeps through it peacefully.
What if the test fails right away?
Unsuccessful hearing screening does not automatically mean hearing loss. Especially in newborns, temporary factors may come into play, such as:
- some amniotic fluid or dander in the ear canal
- mild cold
- agitation or movement during the measurement
Therefore, the test is almost always repeated. Only if several measurements do not give a clear result does a referral for further investigation follow. The system is designed to work carefully and not to draw hasty conclusions.
Follow-up research: what happens next?
When a baby is referred, examination usually follows at an audiological center or with an ENT specialist. There, a more extensive look can be taken at how the hearing is functioning, for example by also measuring the auditory nerve.
That sounds exciting, but the goal, above all, is clarity. Is the hearing loss temporary or permanent? And if so, to what extent? The sooner this is known, the better guidance and support can be tailored.
Possible causes of hearing loss in babies
Hearing loss can have several causes. Sometimes it is hereditary, sometimes problems arise around pregnancy or childbirth. Infections can also play a role. In other cases, the hearing loss is temporary and disappears on its own.
Common causes include:
- genetic predisposition
- complications during birth
- infections around or just after birth
- fluid in the middle ear
Important to know: not every hearing problem is permanent, but every signal deserves attention.
What does hearing loss mean for development?
Hearing is the basis for learning to talk. Babies listen, imitate and experiment with sound. If that input is missing or distorted, speech and language development can slow down. This can later affect:
- communication with others
- school performance
- socio-emotional development
- self-confidence
The positive news is that early support can catch a lot. With the right guidance and tools, children with hearing loss can often develop extremely well.
What happens after a diagnosis?
When hearing loss is diagnosed, a team of specialists comes into the picture. Think audiologists, speech therapists and ENT doctors who work together to see what is needed. Support may include:
- hearing aids
- guidance in speech and language development
- support for parents
The young brain is enormously flexible. The earlier it gets the right stimuli, the better it can adapt.
The role of parents after screening
Even after a successful hearing screening, vigilance remains important. A screening is a snapshot, not a lifetime guarantee. Parents are often the first to notice when something goes differently than expected.
Note, for example:
- reaction to voices and sounds
- babbling and variation in sounds
- eye contact while talking
Are you in doubt? If so, it is always wise to discuss it with the consultation center or a doctor. Better to ask once too many questions than too late.
Voluntary, but not non-committal
Hearing screening is voluntary, but highly recommended. It takes little time and effort, but can have major implications for a child’s future. You hope everything is fine, of course, but if it isn’t, you want to know as early as possible.
Think of it as a safety net. You hope it’s never needed, but when it’s there, you sleep just a little more peacefully.
In conclusion
Hearing screening in babies does not always get the attention it deserves, but the importance is great. In a few minutes, it can become clear whether a baby is hearing the world as intended. And if not, quick and targeted action can be taken.
No panic, no stamps, just smart care at the right time. Because good hearing is not a detail, it is a foundation. And you prefer to lay that foundation as solidly as possible, from the very beginning.
