Newborn hearing screening

Abstract

The present status of newborn hearing screening in Japan is reported. According to the survey questionnaire that was sent to all departments of otolaryngology recommended by the Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Society of Japan, 74% of infants referred to the departments of otolaryngology underwent audiologic and medical evaluations before the age of 3 months, and 15.7% of these cases received early intervention. On the other hand, 14.1% of infants who had cleared newborn hearing screening, but were referred to the department of otolaryngology for other reasons? had hearing loss. Thus, the current status in respect of newborn hearing screening and rehabilitation of children with hearing loss in Japan is still problematic, especially in district areas.