All babies have a newborn hearing screening test; babies with cleft palate will also require ongoing audiology tests to monitor and optimise hearing.
Children born with a cleft of the palate are more prone to experiencing glue ear (otitis media with effusion) which is a common childhood temporary hearing problem. More information on glue ear can be found in the in the new baby pack given out by our clinical nurse specialists, on the NHS pages on Glue ear and on the CLAPA and NDCS charity pages. Glue ear is a fluctuating condition, we carry out regular audiology monitoring hearing checks to assess if your child has glue ear and/or hearing difficulties. Not all children born with a cleft palate will have glue ear or hearing difficulties.
An audiologist assesses hearing. Children born with a cleft of the palate will have their hearing monitored by their local audiology team at regular intervals up to the age of 5. We proactively monitor hearing to ensure any difficulties are identified, monitored and where required managed early to limit any impact the hearing difficulty may have on speech and confidence.
Audiology assessments are carried out in your local hospital. Some children do need intervention for Glue ear and this will be managed in your local Audiology and ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) services. Where children need a referral to the Ear Nose and Throat, this is again carried out in your local hospital and the referral can be made via the local audiology team or GP.
The Cleft audiology team
Victoria Parfect - Audiological Scientist