Hearing Screening

Many hospitals routinely screen newborns for hearing deficiencies prior to discharge. Hearing loss is the most common birth defect - occurring in three out of every 1000 babies born today.

How is the screening done?
Hearing screening is painless procedure that is done while your baby is sleeping. The test will show whether your baby's hearing is normal or if more testing is needed.

Why is it important to screen?
The most critical years for speech and language development are from birth to 3 years of age. Should your child be among the few to have a hearing problem, early detection allows you to arrange for the special attention your child would need for language development.

Screening for Genetic Diseases

A California state law requires certain important tests be done on all newborns, to screen for serious diseases.

Typical screening can detect the following diseases:
·PKU (Phenylketonuria)- a condition in which the body is not able to break down a specific protein.
·Galactosemia - a condition in which the body is not able to convert galactose to glucose, preventing normal growth.
·Primary Congenital Hypothyroidism - a problem that keeps the thyroid from functioning correctly and regulating functions of the body.
·Sickle Cell Disease and other hemoglobinopathies - a group of blood cell problems that affect certain ethnicities.

Effective treatment is available for all of these diseases, but early identification and treatment is important.

A new State law was passed in 2004 has expanded the genetic screening to test for over 70 diseases. Beginning in August 2005 every newborn will automatically receive the expanded screening.

How is the testing done?
The test is done through a blood test when a baby is between 12 hours and 6 days of age. It is usually done while your baby is still in the hospital. The blood sample is sent to a State-approved lab for testing and results are provided to your pediatrician.

More information about genetic screening is available at the California Department of Health Services Web site.