Hear early: New Mexico's universal newborn hearing screening program

Hear Early, New Mexico's newborn screening program, was established in 1996. Thirty-one of the state's 32 birthing hospitals participate in the Hear Early program that now screens 95% of New Mexico's 27, 500 births. The authors' experience in developing this statewide system is described and the critical components and the rationale behind this program are addressed. The development of Hear Early required input from a wide variety of professionals and consumers. Screening is only the first step in a comprehensive state program, which must also include assessment and intervention. Systems development, equipment issues, follow-up procedures, data management, and a tracking system are all pertinent factors. The various accomplishments and challenges that Hear Early has encountered are discussed.