The purpose of screening is to find a health problem early and treat it. Hearing screening is a test to tell if someone has hearing loss. It is given to all babies because hearing plays a role in development. There are no guidelines for screening adults for hearing loss.
All babies should be screened for hearing loss from birth to no later than age 1 month. Babies who do not pass the screening should have a full hearing test no later than age 3 months.
Children who are at risk for hearing loss should have at least 1 hearing tests by age 2 to 2 and a half years. Children who do not pass should have a full hearing test done right away.
