NSW will this month reach a significant milestone, screening more than two million newborns across the state for hearing loss since the Australian first Statewide Infant Screening Hearing Program began in December 2002.
Hearing loss is a common disability, with one in ten people either being born with or later developing hearing loss in their lifetime.
Approximately 180 of the more than 90,000 newborns screened in NSW each year are detected as having significant hearing loss.
Early diagnosis and referral to specialist treatment is vital for children's overall development, leading to better outcomes in their speech, language and communication.
Under the program, a trained screener will conduct screening on a newborn baby while they are asleep or resting. This can take place in both public and private birthing facilities, in a community clinic or in a family's home.
The hearing screen takes no more than 20 minutes to complete, and the baby's results are available immediately. The screener is able to explain the results right away to the baby's parents and record the results.
Babies who do not pass the initial hearing screen will have a repeat test completed. Newborns who are identified as requiring comprehensive hearing assessment are referred to one of three paediatric audiology centres in NSW, located at The Children's Hospital Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick and John Hunter Children's Hospital Newcastle.
Quotes attributable for Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring all infants have the best possible start to life, by ensuring any hearing issues are identified early so they can receive specialised treatment right away.
"Hearing loss is an invisible disability and one which impacts a significant proportion of the community, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention.
"Importantly, this essential test is offered to all parents of newborns in the first few days of life and provides reassurance to families as well as further support should they need it."
Quotes attributable for Western Sydney Local Health District SWISH Area Coordinator, Judith McCloskey:
"By the time an infant says their first word, they will have been listening to the way we talk for some time, from when they were developing in their mum's womb to their first few months following birth. So, it's important to know early on how well they can hear so their family can get the right advice and support.
"Evidence supports prior to the role out of SWISH newborn hearing program, children with a significant hearing loss would not develop language or educational standings on par with their normal hearing peers. Thanks to the SWISH program, these children are now being identified and diagnosed early, enabling them to be on par with their normal hearing peers."
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