Permanent Childhood Hearing Impairment, and the The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program in British Columbia

Abstract

Hearing loss is a relatively common congenital disorder, affecting an estimated one to three in every 1000 live births. Untreated hearing loss in early childhood impacts the development of speech and language, and later academic success. Prior to universal newborn hearing screening, the age of identification of permanent congenital hearing loss was quite late, due in part to the absence of risk factors in at least half of children with congenital hearing loss. This article provides a brief overview of the causes and impact of permanent childhood hearing impairment, and introduces the universal newborn hearing screening program in British Columbia (BC). The BC Early Hearing Program, announced by the provincial government in March 2005, provides newborn hearing screening, diagnostic assessments, first set of hearing devices, and communication and family supports.