Perspectives of newborn hearing screening in resource constrained settings

Abstract

Newborn hearing screening is an effective strategy for early identification of hearing loss in the newborn which result in early intervention and best outcome. However implementing universal screening strategy is a challenge in many resource constrained settings. There are various limitations towards successful implementation of hearing screening program in the developing countries. The cost effectiveness of the screening program also needs to be considered in a resource constrained settings. We attempt to provide a viewpoint that can be potentially helpful for the successful implementation of hearing screening in a resource constrained settings of the developing countries.

Feasibility of establishing an infant hearing screening program and measuring hearing loss among infants at a regional referral hospital in south western Uganda

“…Rolling out IHS programs for all infants may not be feasible or sustainable at the start, and instead targeted screening of high risk infants may be a key starting point for success of an IHS PLOS ONE program [16]. This focused approach is workable and more cost effective solution for LMICs in which case hearing screening tests are initially availed to only high risk infants [16,35,[43][44][45][46], until when resources are available for a fully-fledged IHS program for all infants. Targeted infants include those with risk factors such as NSCU admission, ototoxicity, prematurity, low birth weight, mechanical ventilation, hyperbilirubinemia and severe birth asphyxia among others [34][35][36]41,47].…”

“…Although many high income countries have well developed and successful IHS programs targeting all infants [ 2 , 14 ] such programs are lacking in majority of the LMICs [ 15 , 16 ]. The barriers to implementation of these programs in LMICs include non-prioritization of the services, limited resources to purchase the expensive equipment required and lack of expertise to perform and interpret the tests among others [ 16 – 19 ].…”

“…Although many high income countries have well developed and successful IHS programs targeting all infants [ 2 , 14 ] such programs are lacking in majority of the LMICs [ 15 , 16 ]. The barriers to implementation of these programs in LMICs include non-prioritization of the services, limited resources to purchase the expensive equipment required and lack of expertise to perform and interpret the tests among others [ 16 – 19 ]. In Uganda, establishment of infant hearing screening and rehabilitation programs has been attempted on a small scale in a few centers but has not taken root with reports showing that less than 1% of all newborns in Uganda are screened for hearing loss [ 14 ].…”

“…The majority of countries that lack IHS programs are in resource limited settings [ 14 , 16 ] and need motivation to establish the programs and initiate services for screening. Therefore, there is a need for data and shared experiences on the feasibility of establishing infant hearing screening programs from resource limited settings.…”

Effect of Health Education on Knowledge and Behaviour Towards Consanguineous Marriage and Infantile Hearing Loss

“…According to National Sample Survey (NSS) 76th round (July-December 2018), Persons with Disabilities in India, 2.2% of the total population are suffering from one or the other kind of disability in which hearing disability is the second most common disability next to locomotor disability [1]. Similarly in Puducherry, hearing disability is the second most common disability accounting for 19.2% of all the disabilities [1]. In Puducherry, 30% of all the disabled persons were born with disability since birth and 19.8% of all the disabled persons had parents with consanguineous marriage [1].…”