Child hearing health program

The New Brunswick Child Hearing Health Program (NBCHHP) supports babies and children across the province with hearing and communication services. It provides:

• newborn hearing screening
• diagnostic hearing tests
• early support for speech, language and communication development
• family support, information and connection to services

The test results will guide next steps, such as monitoring hearing, supporting language and communication development, recommending hearing aids or referring for medical care if needed. 

Early detection helps prevent lifelong language, communication, learning and developmental delays. Most babies are screened before one month, giving families early support.

How newborn babies are screened

Soft sounds are played into the baby's ears while a computer measures the ear’s response. The test takes only a few minutes, is safe and painless, and you receive results soon after the test.

If the baby was not screened in the hospital, the audiology clinic will usually contact you within a few weeks. If you don’t hear from them, or the contact information changes, call the hospital audiology clinic. 

Understanding screening results

If the results are a “Pass”:

• the baby’s ears responded to sound as expected today 
• no further testing is usually needed, unless the baby is at risk for hearing loss (e.g., family history of hearing loss, medical conditions, complications at birth) that might require a follow-up

If the results are a “Refer”:

• the baby’s ears did not respond to sound as expected today 
• more information is needed to learn more about how the baby hears
• you will be contacted to arrange a follow-up appointment, usually within a few weeks — if you are not contacted, contact the hospital audiology clinic

How infants are tested

If the infant did not pass a hearing screening, or is at risk for hearing loss, they may be scheduled for an auditory brainstem response (ABR) test. This test is safe, painless and ideally done before three months of age. 

During the test, small sensors are placed on the baby’s forehead and behind the ears and sounds are played through earphones while the baby sleeps. The sensors measure how the ears and brain respond to sound.

Results are usually explained immediately after the test.

How to prepare

• The appointment lasts two to three hours, including feeding and settling time. 
• Try to wait one to two hours before the test to feed the baby in the clinic. 
• If driving, bring another adult to help keep the baby awake on the way. 
• Bring blankets or comfort items to help the baby sleep.
• If you must bring other children, please bring another adult to supervise them.

How children are tested

Young children may play listening games or respond to simple tasks with rewards.

Older children may press a button or raise a hand when they hear a sound.

Sometimes an otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test may also be done. This measures the ear’s “echo” response to sound and is useful for babies or children who cannot respond reliably.

Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s response to sounds and contact their hospital audiology clinic for a full hearing test if concerns arise, as hearing can change over time due to illnesses or other factors.

It is natural to have questions during this process. The program is designed to support both your child and your family. Staying in touch with your audiology clinic helps your child get the best care for communication and development. 

The program supports children from birth through age 19, guiding families every step of the way.  

For more information, contact your hospital audiology clinic:

• Horizon Health Network
• Vitalité Health Network

0 to 3 months 

• Startle to loud sounds such as a dog barking. 
• Become quiet when listening to a familiar voice. 
• Make vowel sounds like "ohh" and "ahh". 

3 to 6 months 

• Stir or wake up to a noise when sleeping. 
• Babble. 
• Look toward sounds. 
• Make sounds like squeals and chuckles. 

6 to 12 months 

• Reacts to toys that make sounds or music.
• Respond to their name. 
• Turn directly to a sound. 
• Imitate speech sounds. 

12 to 18 months 

• Turn directly to a sound source. 
• Correctly use "ma-ma" or "da-da". 
• Give a toy when asked. 
• Respond to singing and music. 

18 to 24 months 

• Use two to three words in a sentence. 
• Have a vocabulary of 50 to 250 words. 
• Follow simple directions (i.e. Go get your coat).

• Talk With Me Program
• Hearing and language milestones in children — World Health Organization
• When to suspect hearing loss in a child — World Health Organization