Newborn hearing screening in Hong Kong

• Published in: Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi 2006-06, Vol.12 (3), p.212-218
• Main Author: Lam, B C C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cost analysis; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Early Diagnosis; Health Care Costs; Hearing Disorders - diagnosis; Hearing Tests - economics; Hearing Tests - methods; Hong Kong; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Medical screening; Neonatal Screening - economics; Pilot Projects
• ISSN: 1024-2708; 2226-8707

To review studies on newborn hearing screening in Hong Kong and the current evidence on the cost-effectiveness of universal newborn hearing screening programmes and to determine their value and the best model for such a programme in Hong Kong. Medline literature search (1985-2004), local reports and abstracts available to the author. Literature and data on newborn hearing screening strategies, screening devices, cost-effectiveness study of universal newborn hearing screening programmes. Relevant information and data were reviewed by the author. A universal newborn hearing screening programme with a high coverage rate is essential to enable early diagnosis and intervention before 6 months of age. This ensures good language and cognitive outcomes in hearing impaired children. A cost-effective universal newborn hearing screening programme should be hospital-based to achieve a high coverage rate, use modern screening devices with high sensitivity and specificity that enable early diagnosis, and be acceptable to parents. Increasing evidence supports the cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits of universal newborn hearing screening programmes. The medical community in Hong Kong should work towards the development and implementation of a well-coordinated, collaborative, multidisciplinary, cost-effective, and sustainable territory-wide universal newborn hearing screening programme coupled with interventions for the next generation of hearing impaired children.