Universal Newborn Hearing Screening introduced to NICU infants in Canterbury Province, New Zealand

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) is being implemented worldwide as an effective method of early identification of hearing loss. The impact of delayed detection of sensorineural hearing loss is a major lifelong impairment. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of introducing universal newborn hearing screening over the 12-month period in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Christchurch Women's Hospital, and to assess the costs, and resources required.

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening was conducted over a 12 month period in the Neonatal Service of Christchurch Women's Hospital. Throughout the implementation period, data were collected to monitor and benchmark against World's best practice.

During the 12 months of the study, 435 babies were screened for hearing loss in the Neonatal Service at Christchurch Women's Hospital. Of these babies, 19 (4.37%) were referred for diagnostic 'auditory brainstem response' ABR testing to confirm hearing loss. Two babies were confirmed with hearing loss, with only one baby exhibiting a known risk factor for deafness. This resulted in a positive predictive index of 10.53%.

This study highlights that UNHS can be implemented efficiently and cost-effectively within the Neonatal Service of a New Zealand Hospital. The results were consistent with best practice, and show the benefits of UNHS against 'at risk' screening. The ultimate success of this study will be in the implementation of UNHS across New Zealand.