Key Messages

Up to 170 babies are born each year in New Zealand with permanent congenital hearing loss.
Screening for hearing loss is strongly recommended for all newborn babies.
The screening test for newborn hearing can be done simply and safely and is well accepted by family and whānau.
Current information suggests that Maori and Pacific babies and children are more likely to have a hearing loss than other babies and children.
Research shows that if hearing loss is diagnosed early, and appropriate interventions initiated, that children will have improved language, learning and social development.
With a Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme, all families should be offered screening within one month of baby’s birth. For babies who need follow-up from screening, an audiology assessment should be carried out within 3 months. For babies identified with hearing loss, family centred support and interventions should be initiated soon after diagnosis, and no later than 6 months after birth. .
Interventions for babies and their families may include support and education, information on devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, the introduction of alternative communication strategies such as sign language, and perhaps genetic counselling.
The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education are working together on the establishment of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (UNHSP)
A multidisciplinary Advisory Group has been established to advise on the implementation of New Zealand’s UNHSP
New Zealand’s UNHSP commences from July 2007 in 3 District Health Boards (DHBs), Waikato, Tairawhiti and Hawke’s Bay, and will be phased in to all areas over the next 3 years.
These three DHBs have been chosen as they have been providing newborn hearing screening services for some time, and this experience, will assist with implementing the new programme. They also have strong links with early intervention services.
Currently other DHBs are testing some babies identified as high risk for hearing loss.
If you have any concerns about your baby’s hearing at any time talk to your GP, Well Child Provider or Early Childhood teacher about having a hearing test. Even if baby passed newborn hearing screening, they could still develop a hearing loss later, and it’s never too late to discuss your concerns.