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Early hearing screening (Neugeborenen-Hörscreening)
Early newborn hearing screening is one of the most important medical examinations carried out on newborns in Germany during the first days of life, usually before the baby leaves the hospital.
Its main purpose is to detect congenital hearing loss or deafness as early as possible, so that treatment and audiological/linguistic support can begin without delay.
What is early hearing screening?
It is a quick and painless test used to check a newborn’s hearing ability.
Highly sensitive devices are used to measure how the ear (and in some cases the brain) responds to sound – even if the baby shows no visible signs of hearing impairment.
How is the test performed?
One or both of the following methods are used:
| Test | What is examined? | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) | Measures the sounds produced by the inner ear (cochlea) in response to an acoustic stimulus | Less than 5 minutes |
| AABR (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response) | Measures the brain’s response (auditory nerve and brainstem) to sound waves | About 10–15 minutes |
The test is usually carried out while the baby is asleep or calm:
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A small ear probe or earphone is placed in the ear canal,
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For AABR, tiny electrodes are additionally placed on the baby’s head/forehead and behind the ears.
When is the screening done?
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Typically between the 2nd and 4th day of life
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Most often in the hospital before discharge
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If the baby is born at home or in a birth centre (Geburtshaus), the parents should arrange the screening within the first weeks via a paediatrician or a specialised audiology centre.
Is it mandatory?
From a legal perspective, newborn hearing screening is not strictly compulsory, but:
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It is strongly recommended by expert committees and guideline bodies (such as STIKO or comparable institutions),
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It is documented in the yellow child health booklet (Gelbes Heft).
In addition, many German federal states have automatic reminder systems that inform parents if the screening has not yet been carried out.
Who pays for the test?
All statutory health insurance funds (GKV) in Germany cover the cost of newborn hearing screening in full.
For parents, the test is therefore completely free of charge.
What if the result is unclear or abnormal?
An unclear or “failed” screening result does not necessarily mean that the child has a permanent hearing loss. Possible reasons include:
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Fluid in the ear canal or middle ear
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Baby moving or being restless during the test
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Technical or situational factors affecting the measurement
In such cases:
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The test is usually repeated after a few days or weeks, or
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The baby is referred to a paediatric audiologist (Pädaudiologe) for more detailed and precise hearing assessments.
Why is this screening so important?
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Babies who cannot hear properly are at high risk of delayed speech and language development if the problem is not detected early.
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The earlier a hearing impairment is discovered, the better the chances for near-normal speech development, for example through:
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Hearing aids,
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Intensive speech and hearing therapy,
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Or, in severe cases, a cochlear implant (Cochlea-Implantat).
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Early detection allows support to begin in the first months of life, which is a crucial period for brain maturation and language development.
Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Neugeborenen-Hörscreening (newborn hearing screening) |
| Timing | Within the first 4 days after birth (usually in the hospital) |
| Duration | 5–15 minutes |
| Cost | Free – fully covered by statutory health insurance |
| Results | Recorded in the Gelbes Heft (yellow child health booklet) |
| Benefit | Early detection of hearing impairment and improved chances for normal speech and language development |
The editorial team of this website endeavours to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete information may occur. The content of this article should therefore be regarded as an initial general guide. Always consult paediatricians, ENT specialists or paediatric audiology centres, as well as the competent authorities, for confirmed medical information and individual medical advice.
