Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
06:04
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Status of newborn hearing screening program in India
Suman Kumar1, Bijoyaa Mohapatra
1Department of Speech Language Pathology, Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, Eastern Regional Centre, Kolkata, India. vsumank16@yahoo.com
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|November 13, 2010
Summary
Universal newborn hearing screening (NBHS) is not widely implemented in India, with only 38% of medical colleges offering it. Urgent expansion of NBHS programs is needed to address neonatal hearing impairment across all healthcare facilities.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Hearing impairment affects a significant portion of the neonatal population.
- Effective newborn hearing screening (NBHS) programs are crucial for early detection and intervention.
- Current practices and implementation status of NBHS in India require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current status of newborn hearing screening programs in India.
- To determine the utilization of various screening instruments and diagnostic tests.
- To understand the roles of healthcare professionals and audiologists in NBHS.
- To document the existing practices of audiologists in India regarding NBHS.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was distributed to 185 institutions across India, including medical colleges and speech and hearing centers.
- Data collected on screening practices, instruments used, professional involvement, and audiologist roles were analyzed.
- Response rate was 16.75%, providing insights into the current landscape of NBHS in India.
Main Results:
- Only 38.09% of medical colleges and 80% of speech and hearing centers have universal NBHS programs.
- Physiological tests like ABR and OAE are utilized by 63% of speech and hearing centers for screening.
- Clear communication of test results to parents and physicians is preferred, but referral rates for further testing are low (less than 11% in 62.65% of institutions).
Conclusions:
- The survey highlights a critical gap in the implementation of universal newborn hearing screening across India.
- There is an urgent need to establish and expand NBHS programs in all healthcare facilities nationwide.
- Addressing the incidence of hearing impairment in neonates requires immediate and widespread adoption of NBHS.
