When should children undergo a hearing test? What to know for Newborn Screening Awareness Month

Before your baby says their first word, their ability to hear it matters. This National Newborn Screening Awareness Month, WTOP explores why early hearing tests are essential for newborns — and what parents need to know to ensure their child’s development isn’t delayed by undetected hearing loss.

“Hearing loss can be really hard to detect,” said Regina Zappi, an audiologist and associate director of audiology practices at the American Speech Language Hearing Association , which is based in Rockville, Maryland.

She said that’s why it’s important to screen your child’s hearing early. The first screening is at one month old.

If they didn’t have it in the hospital, she said parents need to seek it out themselves.

“If they haven’t had it at the birthing facility, then let their pediatrici