Questions Related to Implementation of Blanket Hearing Screening in Moravia-Silesia Region

Summary

Early detection of hearing loss and consequent early rehabilitation with hearing aids or cochlear implants is crucial for the children’s development and has been demonstrated in many studies. As the result, newborn hearing screening was implemented in many countries. Hearing screening of all newborns has not been implemented in the Czech Republic yet. In the North Moravian region, hearing screening of all newborn is conducted since 2010. The authors summarize their experience with implementation of the hearing screening within three years. They focus mainly on issues related to organization of screening. They offer solutions and practical advices on how to proceed in implementing of the screening and what to avoid, as well. They emphasize the need for long-term education of nurses and doctors of the newborn’s and children’s departments, who are “front line” and are the most important for the successful operation of the screening. To provide feedback on their work, it is another important point. The introduction of screening is not a short-term task but the task for several years.

Key words:
hearing screening, newborn, otoacoustic emission, organization screening.