FAQs

Is it necessary to have my newborn baby’s hearing tested?

The first months + years of a baby’s life are very important for developing language.  Undetected hearing loss in one of the caruses of delayed language development.  Delayed language development can lead to behaviour and emotional problems later, to probems in school.

Most deaf and hard of hearing children whose hearing loss is identified early, and who receive the support they need, will have the same chance to develop language skills as hearing children.

Does a "refer" result mean my baby is hard of hearing?

Most babies who receive a refer result have perfectly normal hearing.  Debris in the ear canal or fidgeting during the screening are the most likely reasons for a refer result.  However, if your baby does have a hearing problem, the audiologist will assist you in accessing the services and supports that are available to help you and your child.