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A newborn’s subtle reactions to sound, such as startling at a sudden noise or calming to a parent’s voice, are comforting, but they are not definitive proof of healthy hearing.
Newborn hearing screening provides an early check of a baby’s hearing and can indicate whether further evaluation is needed.
This is particularly relevant in the Philippines, where a 2023 study reports that permanent bilateral hearing loss occurs in about 0.13% of live births. The study also estimates that an untreated case costs around PHP 4.3 million in special care, special education, and lost income during adulthood.
Several risk factors raise the likelihood of hearing loss in newborns, including:
Even if a baby passes their initial screening, hearing loss can sometimes develop later due to illness, trauma, or genetics. Monitoring key developmental milestones helps you identify and assess changes in your child’s hearing or communication promptly.
Infants (Birth to 6 Months):
Toddlers and Young Children:
Newborn hearing screening is a quick, non-invasive and painless test performed shortly after birth to check whether a baby’s hearing has developed as expected. While it differs from a full diagnostic evaluation, both procedures are painless, take only a few minutes per ear, and can often be completed while the baby sleeps.
Newborn hearing screening can identify hearing difficulties early for timely follow-up and support when needed.
The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9709) establishes requirements for newborn hearing screening and follow-up in the Philippines.
Two common newborn hearing tests in the Philippines check different parts of the hearing system.
A tiny plug with a microphone is placed in the baby’s ear to play sounds and record the ear’s response. If no emissions are detected, this may indicate hearing loss.
Small wires or sensors are attached to the baby’s scalp while they sleep. Clicking sounds are played through tiny earphones, and the test measures the baby’s brain response to these sounds.
The DOH follows a 1-3-6 approach to newborn hearing screening:
The newborn hearing tests are designed to detect hearing issues early and are generally accurate. However, no test is perfect, so false-positive and false-negative results can occur.
If your baby receives a “refer” or positive result on their newborn hearing screening, it does not by itself confirm permanent hearing loss. The next step is follow-up testing to determine whether further evaluation is needed.
In the Philippines, the Department of Health recommends follow-up testing with both ears re-evaluated even if only one ear received a refer result. If the result remains concerning, complete an audiologic diagnostic evaluation in time for appropriate follow-up and intervention before six months of age.
Newborn hearing screening gives you an early opportunity to learn more about your baby’s hearing and understand whether further assessment may be needed. If your child was not screened as a newborn, you can still assess hearing later as they grow.
At Hear Life PH, our audiologists can perform hearing tests in the Philippines for children around 3 years old and up at selected branches using conditioned play audiometry. For children under 3 years old, we offer other tests at our Main Office in Manila, usually by appointment. Where hearing aids are recommended, we can recommend suitable Widex hearing aids based on your child’s hearing needs.
Book a consultation at our hearing aid clinic in the Philippines today to discuss your child’s hearing and suitable next steps.
