“Providing a Neonatal Hearing Assessment service to Mater Mothers’ Hospitals and the Queensland community”

Why does Mater Infant Hearing Program test babies' hearing?

In Australia about six in every 1000 babies born each year have a significant, permanent hearing loss.

Any type of hearing loss, even if only mild, can cause delays in speech and language development if left untreated. This then impacts on the child's ability to interact socially and at school. Early detection and appropriate management can significantly reduce the impact of hearing loss, giving the child the best chance of developing normal speech and language.

Which babies have a higher risk of hearing loss ?

Babies who have:

• a family history of childhood hearing impairment
• a low birth weight (under 1500 g)
• a maternal infection during pregnancy (e.g., Rubella, CMV, TORCH, Syphilis)
• multiple congenital abnormalities
• malformations of the ears, head or neck (e.g. cleft palate, external ear abnormalities)
• bacterial meningitis
• severe jaundice
• severe asphyxia at birth
• prolonged use of aminoglycoside antibiotics
• syndromes associated with hearing loss (e.g. Down Syndrome).

Which babies does Mater Infant Hearing Program test?

• all babies born at Mater Mothers' Hospitals that meet one or more of the listed “at-risk” factors, or whose parents are concerned about their hearing
• all babies referred by their doctor.

When do we test the babies?

Babies can be tested as young as one day of age.

How do we test young babies?

Babies are tested while asleep. The tests are quite safe and painless for the baby. The results are available immediately.

The tests include:

• ABR, a computerised test that provides information about the baby’s hearing system for each ear
• OAE, another computerised test that tells us about the working of the inner ear.

What if my baby doesn't pass the test?

We have very strict criteria for passing these tests and some babies do not pass on the first go.

If your baby does not pass, it does not necessarily mean they have a permanent hearing problem, just that they need a follow-up assessment which we will arrange with you.

Is all hearing loss permanent?

No, there are different types of hearing loss.

Conductive Hearing Loss

This type is very common in children. It may be just a brief episode associated with a cold or it may be a long-term problem. Medical treatment is effective for many children with conductive hearing loss.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Previously called “nerve deafness”, this type may range from mild to very severe but cannot be corrected surgically.

Any sensorineural hearing loss, even of a mild degree, can contribute to speech and language delays.

Hearing aids can be of benefit and are provided to all children free-of-charge through Australian Hearing services.

Ongoing care is available at Mater hospitals.

Some children may even benefit from a Cochlear Implant, a procedure performed at Mater hospitals for both private and non-insured patients.

How do I arrange to have my baby's hearing tested?

If you are concerned about your baby's hearing you can ask your doctor or paediatrician to send a detailed referral including baby's name, date of birth and your address and contact phone number to Mater Infant Hearing Program.

Where is Mater Infant Hearing Program

Mater Infant Hearing Program is based in the New Life Centre, fourth floor Mater Mothers' Hospital, Raymond Tce, South Brisbane.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact our office:

Phone: +61 7 3163 1923 Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm