Newborn hearing screening allows for early 
treatment if hearing loss is found. 
A baby with an unknown hearing problem may not be able to develop language skills. It is important that your newborn baby's hearing is checked and that you know the screening results before you leave the hospital. 
Newborn hearing screening:  Can be done within a few hours after birth  Does not hurt  Takes only a few minutes  Allows for early treatment if hearing loss is found 
Early treatment can improve your baby's language and brain development. 
Identification and Treatment There are many reasons why your baby may not "pass" the first hearing screening. If this happens, it is very important that you make sure to get a follow-up test to find out if your baby has a hearing loss. 
When babies do not "pass" the first hearing screening, a doctor or hospital can refer them to Children 1st. Children 1st will refer babies for a follow-up hearing screening, and if necessary, for services and treatment. Participation in Children 1st is free and there are no income guidelines or health insurance criteria. 
 
Newborn hearing and blood screening are two 
important tests that should be performed on your baby before leaving the hospital. Make sure you talk to your baby's doctor about these tests so that you can do all you can to be sure your baby receives the care he or she needs. Early treatment of hearing loss or disease increases your baby's chances for healthy growth. 
To contact your local Children 1st Coordinator, call the Powerline number 800-822-2539. For more information, contact Georgia Newborn Screening Program at 404-657-4143. 
Websites: 
U niversal Newborn Hearing Screening & Intervention: health.state.ga.us/programs/unhs/ 
 Newborn Blood Screening: health.state.ga.us/programs/nsmscd/ 
Division of Public Health 2 Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, GA 30303 
DPH03-061HW (7/2010) 
 
Before you leave the hospital, have your baby screened. 
 
 As a parent... 
You want to do all you can to make sure your child is healthy. One thing that can help is to have your newborn baby tested for serious conditions -- before you leave the hospital. The two most important screening tests for new babies are: 
1. Newborn blood screening; and 
2. Newborn hearing screening. 
Newborn blood screening finds serious diseases and is a test required by Georgia law. 
Newborn hearing screening identifies a child at risk for hearing loss. 
Normal hearing helps your child learn to talk. 
 
Newborn blood screening can identify the diseases listed 
below early so that treatment, including medications or special formulas, can be given to your baby. 
 
Newborn blood screening can find the following diseases that can kill or cause brain damage within the first few days or weeks of a baby's life. All these diseases are treatable with diet and/or medications, and it is important to get treatment early. Make sure to ask before you leave the hospital if your baby's blood has been taken for these tests:  Sickle Cell Disorders  PKU (Phenylketonuria)  Galactosemia  Maple Syrup Urine Disease  Hypothyroidism  Cystic Fibrosis (CF)  Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)  Tyrosinemia  Homocystinuria  Biotinidase Deficiency  Medium-chain Acyl Co-A Dehydrogenase 
(MCAD) Deficiency and other Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders  Organic Acid Disorders  Urea Cycle Disorders 
Talk to your baby's doctor about these diseases if you have questions, or are concerned about your baby's screening results. 
 
The Test 
Your newborn baby's heel will be pricked to get several drops of blood. The drops of blood are sent to the state lab for screening. 
Identification and Treatment Your hospital or doctor will receive a copy of the blood screening results. You should talk to your doctor about these results at your baby's first doctor visit, which is usually scheduled a week after the baby goes home. 
Georgia law requires that all babies sent home before they are 24 hours-old return to their doctor to have the test done before the child is one week of age. 
A new blood sample is needed from your baby to repeat the screen if the first sample: 
 w as not properly collected, or arrived late at the state lab 
 w as taken before your baby was 24 hours old 
 shows a possible problem