# @mama.hu.hears on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DMX9zY8Rra4
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/32645692-mamahuhears-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/7b7b66ad5c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-07-21T15:14:00.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Dr. Michelle Hu•Hard of Hearing•Audiologist (@mama.hu.hears) — https://gondola.cc/mama.hu.hears

## Caption

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) ❤️👶

So many of you have been curious if baby boy passed his first hearing test… 🫶 And yes—he did. But even as a pediatric audiologist and DHH adult, I still had racing thoughts and a flood of emotions while watching the test. It’s a moment filled with hope and uncertainty—especially for parents who already have Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) kids.

When my older son was born, he failed his hearing screening due to a clogged test probe. (Yes, I saw it myself!) I was hormonal, overwhelmed, and furious—especially at how the staff communicated (or didn’t) during that time. But once I had time to breathe and gather my thoughts, I wrote a formal letter and was invited into a meeting with the hospital’s director of labor & delivery, pediatrics, and postpartum care.

That conversation changed things. The hospital system implemented clear masks or shields, pocket talkers, and now always asks about communication preferences for patients and families. I was also able to provide insight on counseling for the screeners. A frustrating moment turned into real, lasting change.

UNHS hasn’t always been standard. It became widespread in the U.S. in the early 2000s because of federal EHDI (Early Hearing Detection & Intervention) funding. But now, with that funding slashed it’s up to each state to keep these vital programs going. This is why awareness and advocacy matter more than ever.

The test itself is quick and gentle—usually done with OAEs or ABRs to check how well sound travels through the ear and brainstem. It can catch many types of hearing loss early, but not all. Some children pass and develop hearing loss later. That’s why follow-up and ongoing monitoring are important too.

There’s always a lesson in every hard moment. And while I was pissed at the time, I’m honestly glad it happened to me—someone who could speak up and create better conditions for other families.

💬 Have you been through newborn hearing screening with your child? Drop a ❤️ or share your story below. Let’s normalize the nerves, celebrate early detection, and protect access for all families.

#UNHS #NewbornHearingScreening #MamaHuHears

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## Tags

newbornhearingscreening, unhs, mamahuhears

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