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A pilot project on hospital-based universal newborn hearing screening: lessons learned
S Z Mukari1, K Y Tan, A Abdullah
1Department of Audiology & Speech Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. szmais@medic.ukm.my
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|October 26, 2005
Summary
A universal newborn hearing screening program showed poor performance, with low follow-up rates and delayed diagnosis. Public awareness is crucial for early intervention in congenital hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Effective newborn hearing screening is vital for early detection and intervention of congenital hearing loss.
- Hospital-based universal screening programs aim to identify infants with hearing impairments shortly after birth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of a newly implemented hospital-based universal newborn hearing screening program.
- To identify challenges affecting the program's effectiveness and parental compliance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of screening data for 4437 infants from April 2003 to February 2004.
- Calculation of quality indicators: coverage, initial refer, and follow-up rates.
- Questionnaire survey of 341 parents to understand reasons for missed follow-up appointments.
Main Results:
- The program's performance fell short of established recommendations.
- Coverage rate was 84.64%, initial refer rate was 11.97%, and follow-up rate was 56.97%.
- Average age of diagnosis was 3.56 months, with significant delays in intervention and hearing aid fitting.
Conclusions:
- The current screening program requires review and improvement.
- Addressing factors contributing to poor performance and low compliance is essential.
- Enhancing public awareness is critical for successful early identification and intervention of hearing loss.