NSW: Every newborn baby to be offered free hearing test
The New South Wales government says every baby born in the state will be offered freehearing tests, reducing the risk of long-term development problems through hearing impairment.
Premier BOB CARR says it's estimated that more than 88,000 newborns will be offeredthe test next year.
Mr CARR says the statewide Infant Screening-Hearing program is an Australian first.
Health Minister CRAIG KNOWLES says the tests will be available in most large publichospitals within days of birth.
Mr KNOWLES says more than 350 children are born with hearing impairments in NSW everyyear, adding when the problems aren't picked up early it can affect speech, languageand general development.
He says the program will help parents make informed choices about preferred inventionsat the earliest possible stage.
The minister says the average age of hearing impairment detection is about 18 months,with hearing aids being fitted at two years for severe impairment and four years for moderateimpairment.
AAP RTV ld/jtb
KEYWORD: HEARING (SYDNEY)
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