Ohio Department of Health Ohio.gov

Hearing Screening for Infants

All infants born in Ohio hospitals or birthing centers now receive hearing screenings before discharge. Technology allows for hearing to be checked at any age, including newborns. The methods used are safe, quick and effective. The hearing screening determines whether a more detailed evaluation of a baby’s hearing is needed.

If a more detailed hearing test is needed, the infant will need to be seen by an audiologist. The Pediatric Audiological Services Directory is a list of providers that can perform the specialized testing needed to assess hearing in very young children.

If in-depth testing by an audiologist shows a hearing loss or deafness, the child is eligible for specialized early intervention services provided by the Regional Infant Hearing Program in conjunction with Help Me Grow.

Resources are available from the Infant Hearing Program.  A brochure for parents, Parent Information About Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) is in 15 languages and may be downloaded from the web under brochures.  The Pediatric Audiology Services Directory is found under service providers.  The UNHS Follow-Up Hearing Evaluation Reporting Form for audiologists can be ordered via forms and templates.  Materials for physicians include The Sounds of Life: Health Care Provider Video on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) in Ohio and Medical Home Strategies for Universal Newborn Hearing Screening reference charts (request via the contact phone or e-mail listed below).

The Infant Hearing Program is located in the Bureau of Early Intervention Services at the Ohio Department of Health. Program staff includes public health audiologists that can be reached at the contact information below.

Mailing Address:
Ohio Department of Health
Infant Hearing Program
5th Floor
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone: (614) 644-8389 or 800-755-GROW (4769)

E-mail: BEIS@odh.ohio.gov Last Updated: 2/2/06