Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Newborn Hearing Test (Screening) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) | $25 – $75 | $0 – $0 |
| Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) | $50 – $150 | $0 – $0 |
| Follow-Up Diagnostic ABR | $200 – $500 | $50 – $150 |
CPT/ADA Code: 92558
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Covered at no cost — required screening in all 50 states before hospital discharge
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
The newborn hearing screening costs $25 to $100 without insurance. It is covered at no cost as a required newborn screening.
Yes, all 50 states require newborn hearing screening before hospital discharge. About 1-3 per 1,000 babies are born with hearing loss.
A failed initial screening does not mean hearing loss. A follow-up diagnostic ABR test is performed, usually by 3 months of age.