Cost-effectiveness and test-performance factors in relation to universal newborn hearing screening
Michael P Gorga1, Stephen T Neely
1Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, 68131, USA. gorga@boystown.org
Summary
Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) incurs initial costs but yields significant societal savings within four years. Early detection of hearing loss through UNHS becomes cost-effective, offering long-term financial benefits.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Public Health Policy
- Audiology
Background:
- Reviews the costs associated with universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS), encompassing capital, operational, and follow-up expenses for infants.
- Details the components of these costs, including equipment, disposables, personnel, and diagnostic testing for non-passing infants.
Discussion:
- Presents a model combining test performance, prevalence, program costs, and the societal costs of hearing loss.
- Evaluates the cost-benefit framework for UNHS, acknowledging potential inaccuracies in assumptions but emphasizing its utility for global assessment.
Key Insights:
- UNHS programs initially show costs exceeding benefits.
- However, within four years, UNHS transitions to a net societal savings, with benefits escalating over time.
Outlook:
- The model suggests substantial long-term societal benefits from UNHS, reaching billions annually after 75 years.
- The framework allows for adaptable analysis by modifying cost, benefit, and performance parameters.
