Nursery World - Deaf supporters cheer new test of infant hearing

A leading deaf children's charity has welcomed the Government's decision to implement a screening programme for detecting hearing loss in babies soon after they are born. Public health minister Yvette Cooper said that 20 pilot sites in England will introduce new hearing tests for babies in the first few days of life. The test, Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening (UNHS), will replace the current 'distraction' test performed at seven to eight months.

Public health minister Yvette Cooper said that 20 pilot sites in England will introduce new hearing tests for babies in the first few days of life. The test, Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening (UNHS), will replace the current 'distraction' test performed at seven to eight months.

Ms Cooper said, 'It is very important that children with permanent hearing impairments are identified as soon as possible. This will make a big difference to their educational opportunities and access to health services.

'The pilot sites have been selected to cover a wide range of communities in cities, towns and rural areas. These pilots also have links with other Government initiatives like Sure Start, Modernising NHS Hearing Aid pilots and Health Action Zones.'

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