It is vital that hearing problems are detected and managed appropriately at or soon after birth in order to maximise  language and communication development in babies. Hearing loss is a hidden disability that does not easily make itself manifest. Recognition of the importance of detecting, investigating  and treating hearing loss of even a mild degree led to the introduction of the national newborn hearing screening programme. However it is important to realise that hearing loss can develop after the newborn screen and it is therefore vital that parents and professionals maintain raised levels of awareness for the later onset of hearing problems and have a low threshold for requesting a formal hearing assessment.

No hearing test is a once and for all test. Every child with speech delay should have a formal hearing assessment. In addition there are other factors that require ongoing audiological monitoring and your doctor will be able to advise you regarding these.