Department of Audiology

Newborn Hearing Screening

Background

 

Studies have shown that early identification and early intervention with hearing and speech-language disorders are directly linked to success with vocabulary, speech-language development, school readiness, and achievement in life.

 

A Sound Start is a provincial strategy, in partnership with Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, to address early identification and early intervention of preschool hearing, speech, and language disorders. A Sound Start includes a) access to Universal Newborn Hearing Screening for all babies born in Nova Scotia hospitals, and b) better access (reduced waiting times) to speech-language pathology services for preschool children. While partial funding was received in 2005/06, full implementation of A Sound Start began in 2007.

 

CURRENT STATUS of Newborn Hearing Screening

With the introduction of the Sound Start Program in Nova Scotia, there has been a substantial improvement in accessibility to newborn hearing screening for all children born in hospital birthing centers.

 

Our goal is to screen 90% of all newborns at birthing hospitals and to provide appropriate intervention within 6 months. We are pleased to report that this target has been met.

 

 

Babies may not pass their first screening due to a number of factors, which may include a restless baby, high levels of noise in the testing room, debris in the ear canal, or a hearing loss. For these reasons a retest may be required which, for some families, could mean a return appointment to the hospital.

For further information see Newborn Hearing Screening under our Programs section.