Why is screening important?

Two to three babies in every 1,000 are born with hearing loss/deafness in one or both ears. A newborn hearing screening test will allow those babies who do have hearing loss/deafness to be identified early. Early identification is known to be important for the development of the child. It also means that support and information can be provided to parents at an early stage.

Left undetected, hearing loss/deafness in infants can negatively impact communication, academic achievement, and social-emotional development. If detected, however, these negative impacts can be diminished and even eliminated through early intervention.

For the most up-to-date information about hearing screening for children of any age in British Columbia, please visit the BC Early Hearing Program siteContact us at any time if you have questions about services for your child.