Challenges and Strategies of Newborn Hearing Screening Programs Worldwide: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Audiology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Newborn hearing screening (NHS) programs are vital for early detection of neonatal deafness and preventing developmental delays.
• Resource limitations, including infrastructure, workforce, and funding, significantly impede the effectiveness of global NHS programs.
• This scoping review examines challenges and strategies within international newborn hearing screening initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the primary challenges encountered by newborn hearing screening programs worldwide.
• To identify and analyze effective strategies implemented to overcome these challenges.
• To provide insights for enhancing the efficiency and reach of NHS programs globally.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review methodology was applied, adhering to established field review standards.
• Extensive literature searches were conducted across major databases (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, Embase, Google Scholar, etc.) for articles published between January 2000 and January 2024.
• Data extraction involved a structured Excel form to systematically compile study details, ensuring comprehensiveness and quality.

Main Results:

• Effective newborn hearing screening program improvement necessitates collaboration among policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers.
• Key elements for successful planning include expert-driven policy frameworks, optimized resource allocation via pilot studies and evaluations, and robust monitoring systems.
• Strategic policy and resource optimization are crucial for enhancing program efficiency and effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Addressing structural and operational barriers through strategic policies and resource management can significantly improve NHS programs.
• Scalable interventions, including telehealth, AI diagnostics, and universal screening, hold potential for increasing early detection rates.
• These advancements can lead to better healthcare outcomes for infants with hearing impairments and their families.