Even before birth, most babies are able to hear voices and sounds, so newborns come into the world ready to listen and learn!  This also means it is never too early to get expectant parents thinking about their newborn's hearing.  Ask family members whether there is any family history of childhood hearing loss, and, if so, be sure this information is conveyed to the health care provider. 

Another easy step you can take can help  parents understand the importance of their baby's hearing is to provide them with the opportunity to watch an informative 6-minute video that:

• Explains how babies learn about the world around them through hearing;  
• Introduces parents to the two common ways that most newborns are routinely screened for hearing loss during the first few days of life, usually before leaving the hospital;  
• Reminds parents to find out what the results of the hearing screening are;  
• Instructs parents on what the next steps are if their baby does not pass the screening and further assessment is needed. 

The video can also serve as a valuable reminder to your program staff to be sure that a copy of the newborn screening results is obtained and included in the child's health record.  If a baby did not pass the newborn screening, it is essential that you assist the parents in taking the necessary follow-up steps.  It is also a good time to inquire whether there is any family history of childhood hearing loss.

For parents who are planning their baby's birth in a non-hospital setting, a hearing screening will need to be scheduled. You may need to help these parents find a location where the screening can occur, or you may need to provide the initial Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) screening.  For these children, make sure that you coordinate your activities with, and convey the results to, your state's Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Coordinator.   

Note that the video can be streamed or downloaded, and that both a captioned and a Spanish version are also available.