We provide hearing tests for babies born or living in the ACT.
About this service
We identify babies who are born with hearing loss and refer them to hearing services as soon as possible.
Our trained screeners do a hearing test as soon as possible after your baby’s birth. They place sensors on your baby’s head to record brain stem responses to different sounds. It usually takes 10 to 20 minutes and you are welcome to stay with your baby during this time.
Results are available as soon as the screen is complete and will be recorded in your baby’s personal health record (Blue Book). Sometimes a repeat test is required, which is carried out later.
Who we care for
We provide hearing tests for all infants born or living in the ACT and any baby admitted to ACT hospitals who has not had a hearing screen. This includes Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, North Canberra Hospital, Calvary John James Hospital and babies born through the Canberra Birth Centre home birthing program.
How to access this service
Most babies are tested before going home from hospital. Some babies may need to come back to hospital for an appointment. In this case, we will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your baby to be tested.
For more information, please contact the Newborn Hearing Screening Program on (02) 5124 7458.
What to expect
If your baby is not screened before leaving hospital, a newborn hearing screener will contact you by phone within the first few days of leaving hospital to arrange an appropriate time for you and baby to return for a hearing test.
What to bring to your appointment
- Your child’s personal health record (Blue Book)
Where we’re located
The Newborn Hearing Screening Clinic is located at three locations:
- Centenary Hospital for Women and Children at Canberra Hospital
- North Canberra Hospital, Mary Potter Circuit, Bruce
- Calvary John James Hospital, Strickland Crescent, Deakin.