Newborn Hearing Screening

Too many babies in England are missing out on a vital screening test for hearing loss. NDCS is campaigning for urgent improvements to the way babies are tested.

The newborn hearing screening programme in the UK - whereby every baby is tested for hearing loss in the first few weeks of life - is the envy of the world. The programme was fully rolled out across the UK in 2006.

However, a 2008 report has suggested serious, localised problems in the delivery of the programme in England with too many babies falling through the net without being screened. The worst affected areas are London and the East of England.

9 July 2009
NDCS has won a commitment from the Government to improve newborn hearing screening.  
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23 April 2009
NDCS has met with key government Ministers to press our concerns on local failings in delivery of the newborn hearing screening programme.
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Late diagnosis for children born deaf can result in a critical loss of opportunities for langauge and social development.

In London, the report states that only 72 cases of deafness in newborn babies was reported last year, against an expected 140.

In addition, once screened, too many babies are having to wait for their first assessment with fewer than 50% of children being seen within a month after screening.

NDCS is campaigning to ensure that every deaf child gets the best possible start in life. We will be lobbying primary care trusts, strategic health authorities and the Department for Health to deliver urgent improvements to the way the screening programme is delivered, with a commitment to meeting the standards set by the Government.

NDCS also wants poor performing areas to learn from PCTs in high performing areas, such as in the North East of England and Yorkshire and Humber.

• Evening Standard: 24 November 2008
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• London Tonight, ITV: 24 November 2008
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• BBC Online News: 20 November 2008
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• The Star (Yorkshire): 24 November 2008
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• South London Press: 26 November 2008
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Read the reports setting out the position in England and London: 

• NHS Quality Assurance Report 2006-2008 (Newborn Hearing Screening Programme) in England
• NHS Quality Assurance Report 2006-2008 (Newborn Hearing Screening Programme) in London

The following case study from a NDCS member shows why urgent action is needed: 

Polly Burton’s new baby Rosa was not screened for hearing at a hospital in Lambeth when born six months ago despite being a high risk.

Polly’s first child is deaf, due to a genetic cause, so they knew Rosa had a one in four chance of being deaf.

Polly had to push for the screening to take place, and ended up going to St. Guy’s hospital to get the test done. It was found that Rosa is profoundly deaf.

Polly believes the system is definitely failing, with regards to screening and the support available after identification.

Her first daughter, Isabella was not screened and it was found she was deaf at eleven months old. She is now five and uses BSL as her first language.

If you have a similiar story to share, please contact us or use our online form.

Case studies like this really help us show the case for action to decision-makers.

Have any thoughts on this campaign or any stories to share? Then get in touch - either by leaving a comment on this page or emailing campaigns@ndcs.org.uk.

NDCS Regional Directors for England are keen to work with, learn from and support professionals on the ground - and are happy to discuss any concerns about screening in their area.

Parents with concerns about their child's hearing can contact the NDCS Freephone Helpline on 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) or email helpline@ndcs.org.uk.

These dedicated pages on our website for families may also be useful.

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