Information for Parents

All babies born in North Carolina will have a hearing screening before leaving the hospital. It is important to find babies born with a hearing loss as soon as possible.

Families are given the results of the screening while in the hospital. The test results will be either a 'pass' or a 'refer'. If referred, your baby will need to return for another hearing screening in two to four weeks. Hearing results are reported by the hospitals to the Division of Public Health.

Staff may contact families after the birth of their baby by telephone or letter. This is to make sure that babies who were 'referred' received follow-up testing.

Questions and Answers About the Hearing Test and What It Means (PDF, 44 KB)
Where Can I Go for Diagnostic Testing? (PDF, 18 KB)
Questions You May Want to Ask Your Child's Speech-Language Pathologist (PDF, 175 KB) (English and Spanish)

Support Services for Families

Children With Special Health Care Needs Help Desk 1-800-737-3028
Children's Devlopmental Services Agencies (CDSAs) - This list will help you find the CDSA that serves your county.
Early Intervention for Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Inc - This list will help you determine which office serves your county.
Family Support Network of North Carolina

Insurance Information

Resources for Families

See our Resources and Links page.