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

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

27-28 weeks pregnant, Baby/parents, Prenatal

Washable Diapers

How can you sort through all the reusable diapers on the market? Kathy Vadnais, a reusable diaper consultant, presents different

35-36 weeks pregnant, Baby/parents, Prenatal

Adapting to the return home with a newborn

Family life changes after the birth of a baby. How can you prepare for this event and help the transition

7-8 weeks pregnant, Prenatal

Pregnancy Monitoring

Did your pregnancy test come back positive? Congratulations! Now, what are the stages and exams that will lead you down

27-28 weeks pregnant, Baby/parents, Childbirth, Prenatal

Breastfeeding : Living the first moments

Did you just give birth and the baby is searching for your breast? Along with Vicky Lefebvre, a breastfeeding consultant,

View all available videos

Warning

The mariefortier.com website and the comprehensive information it contains are intended as practical tools for expectant parents preparing for the arrival of their baby. These are not meant to replace the skills, knowledge, and experience of qualified health professionals who are familiar with the facts, circumstances, and symptoms specific to each individual. As such, Marie Fortier Inc. and its employees cannot be held responsible for any potential adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of information provided on this website. It is the user’s responsibility to consult a physician or other qualified health professional for personal matters concerning them.