Newborn Hearing Screening Services in El Paso, TX
Early hearing is critical to a child’s speech, language, and cognitive development. When hearing loss goes undetected in infancy, it can lead to developmental delays that affect learning and communication well into childhood. At Desert Peak Hearing and Balance Clinic, we offer specialized newborn hearing screening services to identify hearing concerns as early as possible, giving every child the best chance for healthy growth and development.
Conducted by our expert audiologists - including the area’s only tinnitus board-certified specialist - our screenings use advanced, non-invasive technology to assess your baby’s hearing safely, comfortably, and accurately. Following national guidelines set by the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, we ensure that every infant receives the highest standard of care and reliable results you can trust.
Why Newborn Hearing Screening Is So Important
Congenital hearing loss affects approximately 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 newborns. Without early detection, this can lead to significant challenges in learning language, developing social skills, and succeeding academically later in life. Identifying hearing issues in the first weeks or months of life allows for timely intervention, which is key to helping your child reach important developmental milestones on time.
Our newborn hearing screening program is designed to give you peace of mind and, if needed, help you take quick and effective steps toward addressing any hearing concerns before they impact your child’s growth.
Our Newborn Hearing Screening Services
At Desert Peak Hearing and Balance Clinic, we offer a comprehensive newborn hearing screening program that focuses on early detection, family support, and clear next steps if intervention is needed.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing
OAE testing is a fast, gentle, and non-invasive way to measure how well your baby’s inner ear (cochlea) is functioning. During this test, we place a small, soft probe in your baby’s ear that emits quiet sounds. In response, healthy outer hair cells in the cochlea produce a very faint sound emission, which is measured by the probe.
This simple test typically takes only a few minutes and provides immediate information about your child’s peripheral auditory function. OAE testing is often used as the initial screening tool for newborns because it’s quick, accurate, and requires no active response from the infant.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing
If your baby does not pass the initial OAE screening, we conduct an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test to gather more detailed information. ABR testing evaluates the hearing nerve and brainstem pathways by measuring how your baby’s brain responds to sound stimuli.
This test uses small surface electrodes placed on your baby’s head to record electrical activity in response to sounds played through soft earphones. ABR testing is painless and non-invasive, often performed while your baby is asleep or resting quietly. It is highly effective for confirming whether a hearing impairment exists and helps guide next steps for diagnosis and treatment.
Comprehensive Follow-Up Evaluation
For infants who do not pass initial screenings, we offer complete follow-up evaluations to further assess hearing status and determine the most appropriate path forward. This may include additional objective tests or age-appropriate behavioral audiometry as your child grows older.
Our priority is to provide a clear and accurate diagnosis, along with a customized care plan if intervention is needed. Early identification allows for timely hearing support, including amplification options or referrals to speech therapy and early intervention services that help support your child’s developmental success.
Parent Counseling and Support
We know that hearing concerns can be stressful and overwhelming for parents. That’s why we offer compassionate counseling throughout the entire process. Our team will explain your baby’s screening results clearly, provide guidance on what to expect next, and offer emotional support as you navigate decisions about your child’s hearing care.
If further intervention is required, we’ll help connect you with early intervention programs and specialists, ensuring your child receives the support they need as soon as possible. We believe in walking alongside families every step of the way, providing both professional expertise and heartfelt care.
A Family-Centered Approach to Care
Your baby’s comfort and well-being are our top priorities. Our newborn hearing screenings are performed in a calm, supportive environment, where both infants and parents feel cared for. We take every measure to ensure that testing is gentle, non-invasive, and stress-free.
Our audiologists specialize in pediatric and infant hearing care, bringing advanced knowledge and a compassionate approach to even the most sensitive situations. You’ll receive detailed reports and personalized recommendations, as well as ongoing support to monitor your child’s hearing health and developmental milestones.
Why Choose Desert Peak Hearing and Balance Clinic?
Expertise You Can Trust: Our newborn hearing screenings are conducted by experienced, board-certified audiologists, including the area’s only tinnitus board-certified specialist.
Advanced, Non-Invasive Technology: We use the latest screening tools to provide fast, safe, and accurate assessments for your baby.
Family-Centered, Compassionate Care: We’re here to guide and support you through every step, from initial screenings to any necessary follow-up care.
Trusted by Pediatricians and Families Throughout El Paso: We’re proud to be the trusted provider for newborn hearing health in our community.
Schedule Your Baby’s Hearing Screening Today
Give your child the best possible start by ensuring their hearing is healthy and on track for optimal development.