Universal newborn hearing screening outcomes based on national health policy in Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) is essential for early identification of congenital hearing loss to decrease the adverse effects of a child’s speech and language development. Since 2021, Thailand has enforced newborn hearing screening, followed by the national health policy of the Ministry of Public Health. In order to meet this objective, the quality of these programs should be monitored using internationally recognized benchmarks. This study aimed to analyze the UNHS outcomes according to the national health policy and standard benchmarks. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, a tertiary care hospital, from December 2021 to November 2022. All newborns delivered in a one-year period who underwent hearing screening were recruited. The coverage rate, rates of diagnostic hearing evaluation, and hearing rehabilitation were analyzed and compared between the well-baby newborns (WBN) and high-risk newborns (HRN). Results: Of 4,216 newborns delivered, 3,363 (79.8%) were WBN, and 853 (20.2%) were HRN. The screening coverage rates before 1 month of age were 94.6% and 72.2%, and referral rates were 34.7% and 34.1% for WBN and HRN, respectively, showing significant differences. The follow-up return rates were 51.9% and 45.7%, audiological diagnosis within 3 months of age were 11.8% and 10.5%, considering diagnosis within 6 months of age were 52.7% and 42.1% for WBN and HRN, respectively, showing without significant differences. Eight children were diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, three from the WBN group and five from the HRN group. One child, in the high-risk group, received bilateral hearing aids and speech therapy. Conclusion: UNHS serves as a critical initial measure for the early identification of hearing loss, paving the way for timely interventions. Despite the preliminary indicators not meeting the standard benchmarks, there is a clear necessity for systematically developing implementation protocols to enhance the program’s efficacy. The national health policy in Thailand should persist in its efforts, including providing resources such as manpower, money, and materials (3M’s), to ensure the program’s success.