SMART STATE BABIES GAIN ACCESS TO FREE HEARING TESTS
Published Thursday, 27 September, 2007 at 11:43 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
A universal screening program to test all Queensland newborns for potential hearing difficulties has been successfully rolled out in all birthing hospitals across the State.
Premier Anna Bligh said today the Queensland Government’s $22 million Healthy Hearing program was now available in all 61 public and private birthing hospitals.
“Approximately 55,000 babies are born in Queensland each year and following a three-year election commitment in 2004, free hearing tests are now available to all Smart State babies born in hospital,” Ms Bligh said.
“Up to one in 500 babies born have moderate, severe or profound hearing impairment which, until now, frequently escaped detection until later in their childhood.
“Before this program began, the average age of detection was 30 months, but since the Government began implementing the Healthy Hearing Program, the 98% take-up rate means most Queensland babies are tested within 48 hours of their birth.
“This early detection, diagnosis and intervention is vital for babies with a hearing loss, with research showing that the first six months of life is critical for the development of speech and language.
“This free hearing test could dramatically improve their future behavioural and social interaction through early intervention, as well as educational and employment prospects later in life,” she said.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said audio testing was performed by either a nurse or other hospital staffers trained in hearing screening and involves non-invasive testing using Automated Auditory Brainstem Response technology.
“Testing involves soft clicking sounds being played via earphones into the baby’s ears while the infant is quiet or asleep,” Mr Robertson said.
“Sensors detect the brain stem’s response to the sound and this information travels back to the computer.
“Results are known immediately and show either “Pass” or “Refer” and are recorded in the baby’s Personal Health Record. Babies referred for further medical assessment are usually seen within a few weeks.”
Mr Robertson said the progressive roll-out of the Healthy Hearing Program over three years delivers on a 2004 state election commitment.
“Since the program first began in October 2004, more than 100,000 infants have been screened.
“In just over seven percent of cases, further screening was recommended, with three percent of infants being identified as being at risk of a hearing loss that may develop when they are a little older.
“These children have all been offered the opportunity to have their hearing monitored by an audiologist to make sure a hearing loss is identified as early as possible if it occurs.”
Mr Robertson said the Healthy Hearing Program also funds the Queensland Hearing Loss Family Support Service.
“This is a statewide service established to provide support to families whose babies may have a hearing loss.
“The support starts from the time of referral to audiology, through diagnosis and recommended medical assessments, as well as during the decision-making processes to determine the child’s communication development needs.
“The service is available to families until their child finishes grade one at school.”
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s Office) or 3234 1190 (Minister Robertson’s office)
Premier Anna Bligh said today the Queensland Government’s $22 million Healthy Hearing program was now available in all 61 public and private birthing hospitals.
“Approximately 55,000 babies are born in Queensland each year and following a three-year election commitment in 2004, free hearing tests are now available to all Smart State babies born in hospital,” Ms Bligh said.
“Up to one in 500 babies born have moderate, severe or profound hearing impairment which, until now, frequently escaped detection until later in their childhood.
“Before this program began, the average age of detection was 30 months, but since the Government began implementing the Healthy Hearing Program, the 98% take-up rate means most Queensland babies are tested within 48 hours of their birth.
“This early detection, diagnosis and intervention is vital for babies with a hearing loss, with research showing that the first six months of life is critical for the development of speech and language.
“This free hearing test could dramatically improve their future behavioural and social interaction through early intervention, as well as educational and employment prospects later in life,” she said.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said audio testing was performed by either a nurse or other hospital staffers trained in hearing screening and involves non-invasive testing using Automated Auditory Brainstem Response technology.
“Testing involves soft clicking sounds being played via earphones into the baby’s ears while the infant is quiet or asleep,” Mr Robertson said.
“Sensors detect the brain stem’s response to the sound and this information travels back to the computer.
“Results are known immediately and show either “Pass” or “Refer” and are recorded in the baby’s Personal Health Record. Babies referred for further medical assessment are usually seen within a few weeks.”
Mr Robertson said the progressive roll-out of the Healthy Hearing Program over three years delivers on a 2004 state election commitment.
“Since the program first began in October 2004, more than 100,000 infants have been screened.
“In just over seven percent of cases, further screening was recommended, with three percent of infants being identified as being at risk of a hearing loss that may develop when they are a little older.
“These children have all been offered the opportunity to have their hearing monitored by an audiologist to make sure a hearing loss is identified as early as possible if it occurs.”
Mr Robertson said the Healthy Hearing Program also funds the Queensland Hearing Loss Family Support Service.
“This is a statewide service established to provide support to families whose babies may have a hearing loss.
“The support starts from the time of referral to audiology, through diagnosis and recommended medical assessments, as well as during the decision-making processes to determine the child’s communication development needs.
“The service is available to families until their child finishes grade one at school.”
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s Office) or 3234 1190 (Minister Robertson’s office)