Free test for tiny ears
This hearing awareness week we encourage new Queensland mothers to take advantage of the Healthy Hearing Program for babies born in Queensland.
Healthy Hearing Program Director Dr Rachael Beswick said the program offers free newborn hearing screens to all babies born in Queensland even those not born in a birthing hospital.
“We want every baby born in Queensland to reach optimum speech and language development,” Dr Beswick said.
“Which is why we offer this screening test to every new born under three months of age regardless of where they were born in Queensland.
“This non-invasive screening involves soft clicking sounds being played through special earphones when the baby is quiet or asleep.
“The screening is performed by a specialised trained nurse and results in a “pass result” or “refer result” and is offered in all public and private birthing hospitals in Queensland.”
The screening service is part of Queensland Heath’s newborn care services to ensure every child can reach optimum speech and language development.
“If your baby receives a referred result free follow-up care is available at 13 paediatric audiology clinics across Queensland,” she said.
“There are even additional services available for children diagnosed with hearing loss including diagnosis, support and early intervention services.”
Non Medicare eligible families are able to access the screening service through Delivery and Postnatal care program for their baby.
Contact your local Queensland hospital to arrange a free screening appointment or search for a hospital location in your area.
ENDS
Media contact: 3708 5376
