When is newborn hearing screening typically performed?

• A. Ideally before discharge or within the first few weeks per hospital protocol.
• B. Only after 6 months.
• C. During the third trimester of pregnancy.
• D. Only if there are risk factors.

Answer: (D)

Newborn hearing screening is done as early as possible after birth, typically before discharge from the hospital or within the first few weeks per hospital protocol. This universal timing is important because early identification of hearing loss allows timely intervention, which supports later language and communication development.

Relying only on risk factors would miss many infants with hearing loss who don’t have identifiable risks at birth, and delaying screening until after 6 months misses a critical window for language learning. Screening during pregnancy isn’t feasible, since fetal hearing testing isn’t part of routine practice.