just remember...

My Child Failed the Hearing Screening… Now What?

First and foremost- take a deep breath- a failed hearing screening doesn’t automatically mean permanent hearing loss—but it does mean it’s time to take the next steps. Following up quickly gives your child the best shot at success.

1. Schedule a Full Hearing Evaluation
The screening raised a question—it’s now time to get a full answer. Call your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric audiologist to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation (if this is the NB hearing screening - they help with this process). This test will give you a much clearer picture of your child’s hearing abilities and whether any hearing loss is present.

⭐ Just so you know- the type of evaluation will depend on your child’s age and abilities—infants, toddlers, and school-age kids are all tested differently.
- Some testing you may see:
  --> ABR- Auditory Brainstem Response
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2. Contact Early Intervention or the School (in Writing)
If your child is under age 3, reach out to your state’s early intervention program (the audiologist is supposed to, but they don't always). 

If your child is 3 or older, send a written letter to the school explaining the diagnosis and attach the audiology report if possible.

Why written? Because it starts the legal evaluation timeline. In Indiana, for example, the school has 50 school days to complete all evaluations after you sign consent.

The school can:

- Begin formal evaluations for eligibility

- Provide accommodations like preferential seating or assistive tech

- Develop an IEP or 504 Plan to support learning access

Tip: Ask for the contact info for your district’s Teacher of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing. They’ll be your go-to person for support, planning, and making sure your child isn’t just placed—but fully included.

⭐ A Final Reminder:

Early action makes a lifelong difference. You’re not alone—and with the right support, your child can thrive both academically and socially.