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Newborn Hearing Screening
Author(s) -
Mark Helfand,
Thompson Dc,
Robert I. Davis,
Heather McPhillips,
Homer Cj,
Lieu Tl
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of midwifery and women's health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.543
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1542-2011
pISSN - 1526-9523
DOI - 10.1111/jmwh.12512
Subject(s) - audiology , medicine
Advances in audiological testing equipment and techniques allow accurate hearing screening of the newborn, using either otoacoustic emission screeners or automated auditory brainstem evoked response audiometry. Hearing screening lowers the age of diagnosis of permanent hearing loss. Evidence also indicates that early detection and management of hearing loss leads to improved speech, language and educational outcomes. In Australia, newborn hearing screening is not widely available. Screening is available to babies ‘at risk’ of hearing loss, to all babies born in hospitals where the West Australian screening program is implemented, and is either being trialled or developed in other states. Awareness of the benefits and limitations of newborn hearing screening will enable the healthcare professional to support children with a hearing loss, and their families, so that they are able to maximise their potential.