Can I ask for a hearing screening test for my baby in the maternity ward?

Can I ask for a hearing screening test for my baby in the maternity ward?

I am 26 weeks pregnant and my freind said that her baby had a test after birth to see if he could hear well. Can I also ask for this test when I go in to give birth?

Thanks in advance for your answer!

Anne-Marie

Congratulation on your future baby! In Quebec, hearing screening tests are more widely available in hospitals. The program has been around for 10 years, but only in a few hospital centres. Their availability is gradually spreading to maternity wards and centres. You can have the test completed during your stay before you are released.

I don’t know where you are going to give birth, but I suggest you talk to your doctor to see if the screening option is available. If there are risk factors involved, your doctor may also request a hearing screening test for your baby, even if it is not yet available in your birthing centre.

To better understand why the test is available and the general topic of deafness, please read my article about Deafness and Newborns, which is full of useful information.

Pour mieux comprendre la situation et pourquoi on met en place ce dépistage, je t’invite Anne-Marie à lire mon billet éducatif sur la surdité chez les nouveau-nés. Je l’ai composé pour vous informer comme il se doit.

Talk soon,

Marie

The Baby Expert

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