​​Frequently Asked Questions

What is the California Newborn Hearing Screening Program?

The California Newborn Hearing Screening Program (NHSP) is a comprehensive coordinated system of early identification and provision of appropriate intervention and support services for infants with hearing loss and their families. The goal of the program is to identify infants with a hearing loss prior to three months of age and to link infants with early intervention services by six months of age.

Why are we screening infants for hearing loss?

Infants begin developing speech and language from the moment they are born. Studies show that hearing loss occurs in approximately 2-4 out 1000 babies. Without newborn hearing screening, hearing loss is often not identified until 18 months to 3 years of age, when problems with speech are noted. If an infant has a hearing loss in one or both ears, early identification is crucial to preventing delayed speech and language development. Therefore, it is important that hearing loss be identified as early as possible so that intervention services can be provided.

How are infants screened? What is ABR? What is OAE?

There are two methods that may be used to screen a newborn's hearing: Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and/or Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE). These tests can be performed while the baby is asleep or quiet and does not require the infant's participation. Sounds (tones or clicks) are played through small earphones and responses to the sounds are automatically measured. Both tests are quick, painless, and non-invasive.

What happens when an infant does not pass a hearing screening?

Infants who do not pass the initial hearing screening in the hospital are referred for a rescreening which should be performed before one month of age. Infants who do not pass the rescreening are referred to a California Children's Services (CCS)-approved Type C Communication Disorder Center (CDC) for a diagnostic hearing evaluation. A referral to the local CCS program for authorization of the evaluation is also made. Upon identification of a hearing loss, infants and their families are referred to the local Early Start Program (Not DHCS) for access to early intervention and related services.

For more information, please visit the CDC Provider Information webpage. 

What is the role of the Hearing Coordination Centers? Where are they located?  

The functions of the HCCs include:

• assisting hospitals to develop and implement their screening programs
• certifying hospitals to participate as screening sites
• monitoring programs of the participating hospitals
• assuring that infants with abnormal hearing screenings receive necessary follow-up including rescreening, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and referral to early intervention service agencies, as appropriate
• providing information to families and providers so they can more effectively advocate with commercial health plans to access appropriate treatment
  
The HCC’s, a concept unique to California's NHSP, are a very critical program component. The Centers assure that the system operates efficiently; the screenings and services are of high quality; and, most importantly, babies failing the hearing screening test are not lost to follow-up. In states without coordinated tracking systems, up to 50 percent of the infants who fail the inpatient screen do not receive the necessary services to determine if a hearing loss is present. It is essential that infants who do not pass the screening tests receive prompt evaluation and intervention if appropriate. Otherwise, the benefit and purpose of early screening and identification is lost.

Do all hospitals perform the hearing screening test? 

The inpatient hearing screening administered by the NHSP is performed by NHSP-certified hospitals as authorized by Health and Safety Code Section 123975 and 124115 et seq. Only NHSP certified hospitals are eligible for State reimbursement for hearing screening services provided to Medi-Cal eligible and uninsured infants.

 Yes, the parent or guardian can request screening through the baby's primary care provider (PCP), who can refer the family to one of the NHSP certified outpatient screening providers. This should be done in the first months of life, since some of the screening equipment is calibrated specifically for infants less than six months of age.

How much does it cost? What if the infant is not eligible for CCS coverage?  

The State cannot dictate the fee that NHSP certified hospitals and outpatient providers charge for newborn hearing screening services. The NHSP approves hospitals  and outpatient providers for participation as certified NHSP providers. These facilities are eligible for State-funded reimbursement for hearing screening provided to Medi-Cal eligible infants and those who are uninsured. The reimbursement rate is $30 for inpatient screening services and $30 for outpatient screening services.

What happens when an infant is diagnosed with a hearing loss?  

The infant should be referred for a complete medical evaluation with an otolaryngologist (an ear doctor) and a complete eye examination with an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor). At the same time the child should be receiving ongoing audiologic (hearing) care and should be referred to the Early Start Program (Not DHCS) where the family can be linked with support services and begin a program for language stimulation.

How can I learn more about the NHSP?

For more information, please contact the HCC within your region.  Below are links to the HCC Directory and HCC Geographical Service Area Map.

 HCC Directory

HCC Geographical Service Area Map (PDF)​