Newborn Hearing Screening

The programme offers all parents, in England, the opportunity to have their baby's hearing screened shortly after birth. Early identification, via the programme, gives babies a better ‘life chance' of developing speech and language skills and of making the most of social and emotional interaction from an early age.

The majority of babies have their hearing screen completed at The Royal Oldham Hospital, before they are discharged home after birth. However, for those who are born at home, or discharged before the screen can take place, we offer community appointments around the borough to complete the screen.

Parents and health professionals can refer babies into the service if the hearing screen has not been completed until their child reaches 12 weeks old. If there are still hearing concerns after the hearing screen has been completed, or if the screen has been missed and the child is older than 12 weeks, a referral to Audiology will be required.

The service can be accessed by:

• Self-referrals
• GPs
• Health professionals