minnesota newborn screening programUniversal Newborn Hearing Screening |
Hearing screening is an important part of infant care. Whether your primary role is in the hospital conducting screens, in the clinic doing follow-up, or as an audiologist, you play a critical part in newborn hearing screening.
Overview |
Hearing is essential for normal development of speech and spoken language. Finding babies with hearing loss early and offering evaluation, family support, and intervention before they fall behind in language development can make a big difference.
Newborn Hearing Screening became mandatory in Minnesota in September 2007 under Minnesota Statute 144.966. This legislation has greatly enhanced the comprehensive system of hearing screening for all newborns. The Newborn Screening Program now oversees hearing screening for all children born in Minnesota. Newborn screening staff at the Minnesota Department of Health work to ensure that all infants are being screened and test results promptly reported. Staff also work to confirm that all children who do not pass their hearing screening are referred to an audiologist or other professional for diagnostic evaluations.
Nationally, hearing screening and lost-to-follow-up rates are relatively poor. In Minnesota, our goal is to raise the bar for screening, tracking, follow-up, and reporting. Information and resources in this section are designed to allow all professionals to best serve Minnesota children and their families.
- In the Hospital
Information on hearing screening, documentation, and reporting in the nursery and NICU - In the Clinic
Information on what physicians and nurses can do to help families follow-up on hearing screens and responsibilities for reporting and documentation - Audiologists/ENTs
Information on best practice for diagnostic testing in infants and children and responsibilities for reporting and documentation
