NHS Screens Two Millionth Baby For Hearing Problems, UK

Main Category: Hearing / Deafness
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 16 Sep 2007 - 15:00 PDT

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Two million babies in England will have had their hearing screened thanks to the NHS Newborn Hearing Screening Programme. The programme , which has been rolling out across England since 2001, screens 1700 babies each day, and marks one of the biggest achievements in children's audiology and services for deaf children and their families, in the last forty years.

Recognised as the most advanced hearing screening programme in the world, more than 3,400 babies have now been identified as having permanent hearing impairment or deafness (that's moderate, severe or profound hearing loss) as a result of the programme. The programme, which replaced the Infant Distraction Test, offers parents the opportunity to have their baby's hearing screened shortly after birth - over 99% of parents offered this invitation accept it. It is widely acknowledged that early identification of hearing impairment or deafness is important for the development of the baby.

Health Minister Ivan Lewis said:

"I am delighted that the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme has reached the significant milestone of two million babies screened. The programme has made a huge impact with babies being identified with a hearing loss on average one, if not sometimes, two years earlier than before, providing the potential to bring about an incredible change for these children and their families."

Dr Anne Mackie, Screening Programmes Director of the UK National Screening Committee, said:

"This is a major achievement and reinforces how the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme sets the standard for others around the world. Knowing early whether their baby has deafness or hearing impairment is hugely important for many parents. It enables them to make important informed decisions for them and their child's future and improves their life chances."

The major problem with late identification is the effect on the development of language, speech and communication. A delay in identification means a delay in establishing effective communication with the child. This in turn can have a long term impact on their social, emotional and educational development. The impact on the family is also substantial.

1. A trained hearing screener tests a baby's hearing using two quick and simple tests to see if there is a need for further investigation. These are called the Automated OtoAcoustic Emissions test (AOAE), which is used for all babies, and then the Automated Auditory Brainstem Response test (AABR), which is a conditional test. Both tests are painless for the baby and can be done while the baby is sleeping.

2. The NHS Newborn Hearing Screening Programme aims to identify moderate, severe and profound hearing impairment in newborn babies. The programme offers all parents in England the opportunity to have their baby's hearing tested shortly after birth.

3. A child with moderate hearing loss will: struggle to hear clearly the bed time story they are being read; not be able to hear the television if there is background noise; not be able to hear birds singing. A child with severe hearing loss will not be able to hear: a car horn being sounded as they cross the road; a dog barking nearby; the teacher instructing pupils in a classroom.

4. The hearing screening programme in England is the largest integrated programme of universal newborn hearing screening in the world and is considered a beacon programme in terms of service quality and innovation and for involving health, education and early support.

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