Abstract
Aim: To determine the effect of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme on the age of referral and implantation of prelingually deaf children in the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme.
Method: A retrospective review of data collected prospectively from March 2003 to August 2014.
Results: 123 children were referred to the programme with prelingual deafness in the time period. There was a significant decrease in the age of referral (median 6.23 months vs. 21.50 months) and age at implantation (12.66 months vs. 24.0 months) in those that underwent newborn hearing screening. Reasons for delay in referral and implantation were identified.
Conclusion: The introduction of universal newborn hearing screening has significantly reduced the age at referral and implantation of prelingually deaf children. However, the screening programme must continue to undergo monitoring and regular audit. Efforts must also be made to reduce the time to referral, including reducing non-attendance rates, education for parents and service providers, and earlier referral of those with comorbidities so as to reduce the time to implantation.