Baby Bear Newborn Audiology
Helping mama bears make sure their cubs can enjoy the beautiful sounds of life, all while staying cozy and safe in their den.
Why screen baby ears?
Healthy hearing starts even before your baby is born. That's right! Even in the womb, babies begin to recognize the unique speech patterns of their mothers. This early connection is crucial for developing speech and language skills, which progress rapidly during the first few years of life. Children speak what they hear. Birth to age three is an important period of rapid speech and language development.
Babies born with hearing loss who are not screened are usually not found to have hearing loss until age 2-3. This significantly affects their ability to learn and develop essential communication skills. These children fall behind and have a difficult time catching up to their peers. Being aware of your baby's hearing health is vital to ensure they receive the best start possible in their journey of speech and language development.
While loud noises (like doors slamming or hands clapping) may seem to startle your baby, responses to these sounds are not a good way to assess hearing. Many sweet sounds of life (including speech) occur at a much softer level. Without newborn hearing screenings, mild and moderate hearing losses are not detected until much later in life. We are able to check both ears by screening and provide a baseline of auditory function that can be referenced as your little one grows!
Meet your Audiologist
Dr. Sarah Schmidt is a well-respected hearing expert and a caring mother. She received her doctorate in audiology from Washington University School of Medicine in 2012. She has extensive experience in screening and testing newborn babies’ hearing.
As a mother to two young girls, she believes in keeping things simple, supporting medical freedom, and cherishing the importance of natural birth. She is passionate about helping her community and educating others.
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FounderI created Baby Bear Newborn Audiology specifically to give home birth and birth-center families easy access to newborn hearing screenings.
I understand the challenges that new mothers face in ensuring their little one’s well-being. As an audiologist, I also understand the whys of newborn hearing screening and I respect and support your decision for medical freedom and natural birth.
I have extensive experience screening babies' hearing, and I am well-equipped to provide specialized care. I believe that all babies, including home birth babies, deserve easy access to screening. To ease your journey of motherhood, I bring mobile screenings right to your door, eliminating the hassle of traveling with an infant.
I promise to do my best to create a calming environment for both you and your baby. It is my mission to provide you with valuable insights to address any lingering concerns granting peace of mind regarding your baby's auditory health.
Thank you for trusting me with your little one’s tiny ears.
FAQs
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Baby Bear Audiology is a mobile service in the Tampa Bay Area. I travel to your home, as well as birthing centers, and private office locations.
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Yes, older children are always welcome. However, the environment must be very quiet. Background noise influences the screening. One parent or caregiver will need to hold the baby, so it is a good idea to have an extra adult available to help with additional children.
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No. The in-home screening fee is $200 per baby. Screenings done at birthing centers or other spaces may vary based upon location.
Cash, credit card, and HSA funds are accepted. You will be provided an e-receipt after the visit. You may file a claim on your own if you choose.
You will find my services to be less expensive and more convenient than medical offices or hospitals.
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The screening is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes. A delicate earbud fits snugly in the baby’s ear, combining a microphone and earphone. Soft sounds flow through this tiny device, capturing echoes from the inner ear. If the infant has normal hearing, a vibrant echo is detected; if not, the echo may weaken.
This quick screening takes just moments and can be done while the baby feeds or sleeps, but it is best to be done within the first month of life to assess your baby’s hearing.
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Screenings should be conducted within the first month after birth.
If you’re currently pregnant and interested in learning more about newborn hearing screenings, please book a free phone call with me to discuss the importance of screening and have your questions answered.
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Not all babies who do not pass the screening will have hearing loss.
If your baby does not pass, it does not mean your baby failed. This isn’t an exam, and your perfect new baby obviously did nothing wrong. Not passing simply means that we need more information.
Babies who do not pass the first screening can complete a second screening. If a baby does not pass the second screening, it is recommended that a pediatric audiologist do additional testing (called an ABR) to determine if there is a permanent hearing loss. This should be completed by 3 months of age so babies with hearing loss can begin early intervention by 6 months.
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Audiologists are doctors who specifically identify, assess, and manage disorders of hearing and balance system.
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Ideally, testing should be completed by one month of age. However, don’t freak out if your baby is older! Screening is better done late versus missed. Reach out if your baby is older and we can discuss the options. I’m an experienced audiologist and I can walk you through the options.
Schedule an appointment
Types of Appointments
Brief consultation: You are currently pregnant and wanting to learn more about the newborn hearing screening process.
In-Home Screening: Your new baby is here, go ahead and schedule your screening for a few days after birth. Screenings only take a few minutes, but it is best to allow at least an hour in case it takes a few minutes for your baby to settle. It’s best to do the testing while the baby is feeding or has just fed and is a bit sleepy. (This screening includes free required state reporting of results.)
Community Office Screening: Your baby is here, but you live outside of our area, or you wish to have your baby screened in a private, family centric, and natural-birth supportive location outside of your home. Scheduling for other locations coming soon!
Payment Policy:
To book an appointment online, you will be asked for your credit card information. Your card won’t be charged unless you miss your appointment.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so within 24 hours. If you do not show up for a home visit, you will be charged the full screening fee with no refunds.
Payment is accepted by credit card at the time of your appointment.
Follow us to learn more about your newborn’s hearing…
“We used Baby Bear Audiology for a house visit and it was great. Dr. Sarah was so kind and gentle with our little one. It only took a few minutes; I could hold her or nurse during the test. And it was so nice to not have to leave the house.”
Contact Us
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