Newborn Hearing Screening

Newborn hearing screening (NHS) is a universal program in an attempt to achieve complete physical, mental, and social well-being for children with congenital hearing impairment (CHI). NHS programs allow diagnosis and intervention as early as 6 months by the stepwise screening protocols using objective electrophysiological (auditory brainstem response audiometry and/or evoked otoacoustic emission) devices. Major benchmark is to follow the 1-3-6 rule (screening in the first month, audiological and medical assessment till the third month, and access to the intervention to the 6th month of age). If 1-3-6 is achieved, states should strive to meet a 1-2-3 month-timeline. Another important benchmark is to follow those with risk factors related to CHI, even if they pass screening and diagnostic tests. NHS teams should include not only screening staff and audiologists but also physicians, social workers, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, special teachers, sign language interpreters/trainers, device providers, families, and those with CHI.