Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2026
Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
Newborn infant hearing screening - a five year pilot project
Insights
Newborn hearing screening identifies deafness in 1 in 1,500 infants. This program reviews screening criteria and outlines a successful approach for early detection in nurseries.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neonatal care
- Public health
Background:
- Early identification of hearing loss is crucial for infant development.
- Newborn hearing screening programs aim to detect auditory impairments at birth.
- Challenges exist in implementing and managing universal newborn hearing screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established criteria for newborn hearing screening.
- To discuss the practical challenges encountered during infant hearing assessments.
- To outline a comprehensive screening program for neonatal hearing.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing newborn hearing screening protocols.
- Analysis of data from a five-year screening period.
- Identification and discussion of implementation issues.
Main Results:
- Over 12,000 infants were screened for hearing.
- Eight cases of confirmed deafness were identified.
- The incidence of congenital deafness was determined to be 1 in 1,500 live births.
Conclusions:
- Newborn hearing screening is effective in identifying infants with hearing loss.
- The established incidence rate highlights the importance of universal screening.
- A structured screening program can overcome implementation challenges.
Abstract:
The criteria for screening infants' hearing in the newborn nursery are reviewed. The problems encountered are discussed and a screening program outlined. Over 12,000 newborn infants were screened for hearing over a five year period and a total of eight were confirmed deaf - an incidence of one in 1,500 live births.
