Why is early hearing diagnosis in young children important?

Few parents realize that early hearing diagnosis in newborns is extremely important and can impact the overall development of the child. Children with undetected hearing impairments do not acquire cognitive skills properly. They may learn new skills, including proper speech, more slowly. In developing children with hearing impairments, stress resulting from frustration may also increase, as the child does not understand why they are unable to acquire new, simple skills.


A child's hearing can be tested even before the first month of life is over. In Poland, screenings are conducted as part of the screening tests (since 2002 thanks to the WOŚP initiative). However, if any abnormalities are found, the test should be repeated to ultimately confirm or rule them out.

In the case of a diagnosed hearing impairment, consideration should be given to supporting the function of this sense, for example, by using appropriate hearing aids even before the age of 6 months.