Just because a newborn baby fails a hearing screening does not necessarily mean permanent hearing loss. An audiologist (hearing specialist) will test your baby's hearing and then explain the results to you, with recommendations for follow-up if necessary.

Some reasons why a newborn baby may not pass the first screening;

• Vernix in the baby's ear during birth

• Movement and crying of the baby during the test

• The test room is not quiet

Some babies may need additional tests, so you may be asked to bring your baby back to the hearing specialist on a different day. Most babies who need another hearing test have normal hearing. If your baby needs more tests, make sure you do this as soon as possible.

When a newborn baby fails the second screening;

If the test results show hearing loss, your baby may be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist. The ENT doctor may order further tests to determine the cause of the hearing loss or may recommend a medical intervention that can improve your child's hearing. Your baby's doctor should routinely monitor your baby's overall health and development, as hearing loss can develop even if a newborn passes a hearing screening. In Cyprus, newborn hearing screening is performed at our Iskele Hearing Center. Take a look at our AABR test used for newborn hearing screening at our center.