Hearing and vision checks for babies

Key points to remember

- all babies are checked at birth to see that all is well - some of your baby's health checks are called ‘screening'

- screening for hearing and some vision problems for your baby should occur at birth

- if you have concerns about your baby's vision or hearing at any time, take your baby for an assessment (see What are the signs of a hearing problem? and What are the signs of a vision problem?)

- if your baby does have a hearing or vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development

What hearing checks are needed for babies?

Newborn hearing screening pamphlet (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education)Your child's hearing will be screened at birth as part of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme. If your baby's hearing has not been screened, talk to your midwife or doctor so that the screening can be arranged.