Menu
04/10/2005
Minister announces hearing test for babies
Health Minister Shaun Woodward has announced the introduction of a new hearing screening programme for all newborn babies in Northern Ireland.
Launching the £500,000 programme, the Minister confirmed that from October 1, parents are being offered a hearing screening test for their babies soon after they are born. The test, which is carried out by specially trained staff, only takes a few minutes and is painless, often being done while the baby is asleep.
"The successful implementation of this regional screening programme is an important step forward and one to be welcomed," the Minister said. "Early identification of an infant with permanent hearing loss means that, with appropriate treatment, and support, their speech and communication skills can be well developed from an earlier age. This is important in ensuring that they can reach their full potential in terms of health and wellbeing, educational achievement and job prospects."
Approximately 1 in 1,000 babies are born with a significant hearing loss (about 25-30 per year in Northern Ireland). The hearing of babies is currently assessed by health visitors, using the Infant Distraction Test, at 7-8 months old. The sensitivity of this test can be low and hearing difficulties may not be detected until babies are 18 months old and in some cases not until they three years old.
Research studies have demonstrated the importance of detecting a hearing loss as early as possible. Early detection and provision of hearing aids can lead to better outcomes for speech and language development in later life, as well as the greater possibility of integration of the child into mainstream education.
All babies born from 1 October 2005 (approximately 21,000 babies per year) will be offered hearing screening. The Distraction Test will run alongside the hearing screening test until mid 2006 and will then stop.
(MB/SP)
Launching the £500,000 programme, the Minister confirmed that from October 1, parents are being offered a hearing screening test for their babies soon after they are born. The test, which is carried out by specially trained staff, only takes a few minutes and is painless, often being done while the baby is asleep.
"The successful implementation of this regional screening programme is an important step forward and one to be welcomed," the Minister said. "Early identification of an infant with permanent hearing loss means that, with appropriate treatment, and support, their speech and communication skills can be well developed from an earlier age. This is important in ensuring that they can reach their full potential in terms of health and wellbeing, educational achievement and job prospects."
Approximately 1 in 1,000 babies are born with a significant hearing loss (about 25-30 per year in Northern Ireland). The hearing of babies is currently assessed by health visitors, using the Infant Distraction Test, at 7-8 months old. The sensitivity of this test can be low and hearing difficulties may not be detected until babies are 18 months old and in some cases not until they three years old.
Research studies have demonstrated the importance of detecting a hearing loss as early as possible. Early detection and provision of hearing aids can lead to better outcomes for speech and language development in later life, as well as the greater possibility of integration of the child into mainstream education.
All babies born from 1 October 2005 (approximately 21,000 babies per year) will be offered hearing screening. The Distraction Test will run alongside the hearing screening test until mid 2006 and will then stop.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2011
Hear! Hear! Poots Backs Deaf Kids
A cool £1m has been allocated to a programme that could help restore hearing to 23 children in Northern Ireland. Edwin Poots, the Stormont Health Minister has also announced that a 'scoping study' is to investigate the quality of audiology services overall.
Hear! Hear! Poots Backs Deaf Kids
A cool £1m has been allocated to a programme that could help restore hearing to 23 children in Northern Ireland. Edwin Poots, the Stormont Health Minister has also announced that a 'scoping study' is to investigate the quality of audiology services overall.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
25 March 2004
Minister turns up volume on digital hearing aids
Health Minister, Angela Smith today announced that over 100,000 hearing aid users in Northern Ireland may benefit from a new programme to introduce Digital Hearing Aids.
Minister turns up volume on digital hearing aids
Health Minister, Angela Smith today announced that over 100,000 hearing aid users in Northern Ireland may benefit from a new programme to introduce Digital Hearing Aids.
10 October 2023
New Era For Cervical Screening In Northern Ireland
Primary HPV testing is to be fully introduced in a major boost to Northern Ireland's Cervical Screening Programme. The Department of Health (DoH) has confirmed that they are on course for the full introduction of primary HPV testing, which is more sensitive than cytology-based screening, by December 2023.
New Era For Cervical Screening In Northern Ireland
Primary HPV testing is to be fully introduced in a major boost to Northern Ireland's Cervical Screening Programme. The Department of Health (DoH) has confirmed that they are on course for the full introduction of primary HPV testing, which is more sensitive than cytology-based screening, by December 2023.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
