Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme
The National Screening Unit is currently looking at development and implementation options for a Newborn Hearing Screening Programme.
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Print this pageUniversal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme
Newborn hearing screening is becoming the standard of care internationally, with programmes being established or already implemented in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and a growing number of other countries.
As a response to the success of newborn hearing screening programmes in other countries, the New Zealand Government announced in 2006 that it would fund a universal newborn hearing screening programme for all eligible New Zealand children.
The universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme (UNHSEIP) is now being progressively rolled out in New Zealand over three years, a process which started in July 2007. The UNHSEIP is jointly lead by the Ministries of Health and Education to ensure those babies diagnosed with a hearing loss receive support from the newborn period through to school entry.
Benefits of a Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme
Each year, it is estimated that between 135 and 170 babies are born in New Zealand with mild to profound permanent congenital hearing loss. This represents a birth incidence of approximately three babies with a hearing loss per one thousand births.
The first six months of a baby’s life is a critical period for learning communication. Lack of exposure to language during this time can affect a child’s development, communication skills, educational and career achievements. The early detection of hearing loss, and the application of early interventions, has been demonstrated to significantly improve long-term language skills and cognitive ability.
The internationally recommended age for the diagnosis of hearing loss is before three months of age, with intervention commencing by six months. While New Zealand’s incidence of hearing loss is similar to international reports, the average age of diagnosis is around three to four years of age. This compares poorly to other countries that have introduced newborn hearing screening programmes.
The Aim of UNHSEIP
The aim of the UNHSEIP is for ‘early identification of newborns with hearing loss so that they can access timely and appropriate interventions, inequalities are reduced and the outcomes for these children, their parents and families/whānau, communities and society are improved.
Newborn Hearing Screening in the Hawke's Bay
James King's story
Newborn Hearing Screening - Lynne Forsman
Did you know:
1. That hearing loss is one of the most common conditions that babies are born with
2. Picking up hearing loss early improves language, learning and social development and enables families to access appropriate support and interventions
3. If at any time you have concerns about your child's hearing, you should contact your GP or Well Child provider