Since August 2007 Kellie Wedge and Glenys Dustow have been responsible for expanding and running the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme in the Hawke’s Bay. The programme covers Wairoa to the Central Hawke's Bay, which collectively record around 2500 births each year. Kellie and Glenys are based in Hastings Hospital, and are supported by Louise Howell based in Wairoa.

“We cover a large area, and reaching every newborn is a challenge,” says Kellie. “But the benefits to children and their families are very clear. By picking up hearing loss in newborns, help can be offered early so children’s language, learning and social development are affected as little as possible.”

Originally from the UK, Kellie moved to New Zealand in 2000. She has a background in early childhood education, including 20 years as a nanny.

“I’ve always loved being around newborns and enjoy working in a hospital environment. Having the opportunity to be part of what is an incredibly special time for parents is a privilege and is a really satisfying job.

“Often, hearing loss is not identified until it is clear that a child’s speech and language development is delayed. With newborn hearing screening, hearing loss can be detected very early, so help and support can be offered immediately. This could include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistance with the development of speech and New Zealand sign language.”

Like Kellie, Glenys enjoys being in a role where she can work as part of a wider team.

“I’ve always enjoyed being around newborns and immediately prior to this role was working in the administration area of Waikato hospital so was familiar with the hospital system including maternity services. This knowledge has been invaluable in my current position especially in the early days of the programme.

“We’re a good team with complementary skills and the maternity staff has been fantastic.”

Once appointed to the positions Kellie and Glenys went through an intensive two week training course involving written and practical exercises.

“It was total immersion but a great way to learn and we’re still learning as the programme evolves,” says Glenys. “The technology is sophisticated and intuitive but is continually being developed so it’s professionally challenging to keep up with the pace.”

“We currently perform two different screens. One or both of these may be used. The first is OAE (Otoacoustic emissions). This test involves a small soft-tipped earpiece being placed in the baby’s ear. The earpiece makes a clicking sound and a computer shows how the baby’s ears respond. The second is the AABR test (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response). The same soft sounds are played through ear cups. The response from the baby’s hearing nerve is picked up through special sensors that are placed on the baby’s head.”

Newborns are ideally screened in the hospital. The advantage of the hearing screening test is that it’s quick and non-invasive. The whole process can take less than 20 minutes and is best performed while the baby is asleep or settled.

“We rely on the maternity staff to let us know of all births and to incorporate the screening test in the post-birth maternity care. Naturally there are occasions where we’re not able to screen babies as inpatients, for example, a home birth or when the newborn leaves the hospital outside our working hours. To make sure we see these babies, and babies that need to be re-screened we run out-patient clinics.”

Another important element of their roles is ensuring families are fully informed about the test and understand what they can expect during the screening process and if hearing loss is found.

“Our role is not to simply perform the screen and move on – it’s vital parents have the right information prior to the screen and understand what will happen if they need to be referred for diagnostic assessment with an audiologist,” says Glenys. “We support parents through the diagnostic tests and help them with the next steps. The Ministry of Education is a partner in the programme, which means intervention services and support can start as soon as hearing loss is identified.”

The programme aims to screen all babies for hearing loss and has stringent reporting requirements.

“Given this is a new programme, we’re very pleased with initial results, with 93 percent of babies born in December screened. We are working hard to reach those few babies that are missed and expect participation to be even higher in the future. It’s a positive programme and one we’re really excited to be part of,” says Kellie.