You might wonder about the need for formal screening, since your infant may startle, blink or turn their head in response to different sounds. Many newborns react this way but still have trouble hearing well enough to learn spoken language. Because your child learns to speak by listening and processing what they hear, hearing concerns that go undetected can affect the early learning and language development that lays a foundation for success in school and life.
Hearing Screening
The Oklahoma State Department of Health Child Guidance clinics provides comprehensive hearing screenings for children from birth through 18 years of age.
The Newborn Born Hearing Screening (NBHS) is conducted at birth to identify children who may have a hearing loss and need further testing.
There are two screening methods used; Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (A-ABR). Both methods are quick and simple methods that don't require a behavioral response.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screening measures sound waves produced in a child's inner ear. A tiny probe is placed just inside the ear canal, where it measures the ear's response (echo) when clicks or tones are played in the child's ears. This test can be used for newborns, but also works for older children. Children may be awake, but must be quiet and still.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports the newborn hearing screenings required in all 50 states. And because a child's hearing can change over time, we also recommend yearly hearing screenings for children aged 4 through 6, followed by additional screening at ages 8 and 10. Adolescents and teens should receive at least 3 hearing screenings to detect any changes that might affect language, academics and social well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your child does not pass the hearing screening, we will recommend you follow up with your pediatrician for a complete hearing test by a certified audiologist.
Contact your local Child Guidance clinic to schedule a hearing screening.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Allied Health Service
Child Guidance Program
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406
Physical Location (appointments required):
Oklahoma State Department of Health
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: (405) 426-8100
Email: ChildGuidance@health.ok.gov
