Scottish neonatal audiology screening a step closer:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
NHSScotland has launched a second "pathfinder" programme to test all neonates for hearing impairments, with the aim of developing quality guidelines for the universal screening programme due to be rolled out by April 2005. The Lothian programme, using automated audiology brainstem response (AABR) technology, joins the NHS Tayside-based pathfinder programme, launched in January 2003, using the automated otacoustic emissions test. NHS Lothian begun neonatal hearing screening in 1998, but targeted only at high-risk babies. A three-year AABR pilot is underway at the Highland and Western Isles NHS Board.