Hearing screening

The hearing test for your baby

Your baby will undergo a series of tests during the first few weeks of their life. These tests include a quick and painless hearing screening.

Why test my baby's hearing?

A small number of babies are born with a hearing problem. The earlier this is detected, the more effective the treatment will be, and the fewer the consequences for the child's development.

When does the test take place?

The test is done in your room at the maternity hospital, from the second day of life onwards, ideally while your baby is asleep. If you have already left the maternity hospital, the Service audiophonologique will automatically send you an appointment at one of its centers.

How does the test work?

A small earpiece is placed in your baby's ear. It sends sounds that cause the cells of the inner ear to respond. These cells in turn produce a faint sound, which is picked up by a microphone in the earpiece. If this sound is detected, it shows that the ear is working properly.

The test is painless and the result is available immediately.

What does a negative result mean?

It doesn't necessarily mean your baby has a hearing problem. The test can be disturbed by various obstacles that block the sound (earwax, amniotic fluid, mucus, bath water, background noise).

In that case, a second test is carried out in the following days.

The Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test

If the result remains negative after the second test, an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test is carried out: small sensors are attached to your baby's head, an earpiece then sends sounds, while the sensors record the brain's activity in response to these sounds. This test is also painless and is ideally done while the baby is asleep.

If this third test is also negative, a consultation with an ENT doctor is arranged to understand the reason.

And after that?

Keep a close eye on your child's hearing health during their early years. Visit this page for more information, particularly on the signs of hearing problems.