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Update on newborn hearing screening programs
1University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
Insights
Newborn hearing screening is now standard in US hospitals, aiming for early detection and intervention. This review examines the history, policy, and nursing role in achieving universal infant hearing screening goals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Newborn hearing screening programs are now a standard protocol in US hospital nurseries.
- This is a result of legislation supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Joint Committee on Hearing position statement.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review the development of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing position statements.
- Examine legislation and health policy initiatives for universal newborn hearing screening.
- Determine nursing's role in meeting established hearing screening goals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Joint Committee on Infant Hearing position statements.
- Analysis of legislative and health policy initiatives.
- Examination of the nursing profession's involvement in newborn hearing screening.
Main Results:
- Established goals for screening, diagnosis, and intervention: screen by 1 month, diagnose by 3 months, and treat by 6 months.
- Legislation and policy have driven the implementation of universal newborn hearing screening.
- Nursing plays a crucial role in achieving these time-sensitive goals.
Conclusions:
- Universal newborn hearing screening is a critical public health initiative.
- Adherence to screening timelines is essential for early intervention and positive outcomes.
- Nursing is integral to the success of these programs.
Abstract:
As a result of legislation supporting the position statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Joint Committee on Hearing, newborn hearing screening programs have become a protocol of care in hospital nurseries throughout the United States. The current goals are to screen all infants by 1 month of age, confirm hearing loss with audiologic examination by 3 months of age, and treat with comprehensive early intervention services before 6 months of age. This article will review the development of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing position statements, examine legislation and health policy initiatives for universal newborn hearing screening, and determine nursing's role in meeting the goals.