Every baby born at St. Luke's is screened to identify any possible hearing loss. Babies are screened using a quick, painless technique called AABR (automated auditory brainstem response). The testing is conducted in the nursery by specially trained staff, before discharge from the hospital. There is a nominal fee for the test, which is usually covered by insurance.

You will be informed of the results immediately following the test. If your baby does not pass the screening test, your physician will be contacted and your baby will be referred for further evaluation. A second test is extremely important in order to assess your baby's hearing.

For information on newborn hearing screening, call (208) 489-4999.

St. Luke’s also tests all newborns for certain inherited health disorders. Before you take your baby home from the hospital, a simple blood test is performed to screen for a variety of metabolic disorders.

More information about metabolic screening and metabolic disorders is available from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's Early Childhood Information Clearinghouse.

For information on newborn metabolic screening, call (208) 334-5963.