Progress towards Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening: A World Review

Abstract

This study reviewed the performance of universal neonatal hearing screening (UNHS) programs in 46 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania and Africa. The review was based on data collected from a 2004 survey of early hearing detection programs; responses to a 2006 survey of audiologists undertaken by the authors; a literature review of 55 articles, reports and internet sources from 1995 to 2007; and one 2006 Market Research Report. This data was compared to the UNHS benchmarks set by the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) in 2007. In the 21 countries where data on national screening coverage were available, the average coverage was 46% (JCIH recommends 95% or more). In the 32 countries where data on regional or local screening coverage were available, the average coverage was 64% (JCIH recommends 95% or more). In the 27 countries where data on referral rates were available, the average rate was 7% (JCIH recommends 4% or less). Finally, in the 16 countries where data on follow-up rate were available, the average rate was 63% (JCIH recommends 90% or more). These results highlight screening coverage and follow-up rate as the major inhibitors to the success of UNHS programs in many countries where UNHS programs are currently in operation. Factors contributing to these inhibitors are discussed.