Setting the Standard: Pediatrix’s Accredited Newborn Hearing Screen Certification Program

How AAA Accreditation Elevates Training and Care for Pediatrix Hearing Screen Technicians Nationwide 

The Pediatrix® Newborn Hearing Screen program is proud to provide  certification accreditation with the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). As a leading expert in hearing screening, the Pediatrix certification program offers comprehensive training that covers the latest techniques and technologies, ensuring that hearing screen technicians are held to the highest standard. The certification program has been a standard for the past several years, and receiving the accreditation from AAA is a recognition of the knowledge and training that the course offers to participants. 

Launched in 1994, the Pediatrix Newborn Hearing Screen program has been the largest provider of newborn hearing screening services for more than 30 years. In 2024, over 805,000 babies were screened for potential hearing loss at 340 hospitals across the nation. Newborn hearing screenings offer early identification of hearing differences and provide a unique opportunity for infants to receive early intervention, which can dramatically increase their quality of life. The AAA-accredited program is an important piece to continue offering the best quality of care for newborns and their families.

Zohreh Akhtar, a Pediatrix hearing screen technician at UPMC Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, describes the impact of the certification program. “This curriculum offers a good introduction to newborn hearing screening, especially for those who have limited experience,” she said. “The information is provided in an accessible, easy-to-understand way. Though much of the screener's job is learned hands-on, the program boosts that learning and support to ensure success.”

Hearing screen staff are required to complete the certification program as new hires and are eligible to receive 0.4 continuing education unit (CEU) credits (four hours), an increase from previous certification offerings. Completing the certification program establishes best practices that benefit newborn patients and their families, as well as hospital partners. 

“This program is different from what a technician would learn from only traditional certification training,” said Akhtar. “It is more about understanding the screening process, using equipment and how to communicate with parents, providing information that other programs may not.”

Karen Brennhofer, AuD, clinical director of audiology and hearing screen, shared, “We are incredibly proud of our comprehensive newborn hearing screening training program, which reflects the highest standards of clinical excellence and now carries the added distinction of being affiliated with the AAA. For our hospital partners, this means peace of mind – knowing that every technician who steps into their facility has been rigorously trained, thoroughly evaluated and equipped to deliver accurate, compassionate and dependable care from day one.” 

Learn more about the Pediatrix Newborn Hearing Screen program or view hearing screening career opportunities.

Pediatrix is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 0.4 AAA CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy’s Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.