If a baby is born with a hearing problem, he or she certainly can’t communicate it. That’s why hearing tests at birth are so important.

Maryland is among the most recent of states to recognize this. As of July 1st, all infants born in the state get a hearing test within the first hours of life. Specialists agree that detecting any hearing loss or difficulties early on makes a huge difference in treatment options and outcomes. Still, why a test at birth, and not a few weeks or months later? Johns Hopkins otolaryngologist Dr. John Niparko explains.

Many newborns, once they leave the hospital, will not seek medical services unless there’s an emergency. And unfortunately, these tend to be children from lower socio-economic families, children who are at very high risk for having a hearing loss. So, the best time to do this is when we have access to the children in the very first few days of life. :21

With the proper equipment, Dr. Niparko says newborn hearing tests are easy to administer and interpret.

At the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, I'm Tom Haederle reporting.

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