Hearing loss: Newborn screening made a difference for one child

Newborn hearing screening led to hearing aids being fitted at eight months and to vents being inserted months later, avoiding a long paediatric ENT waiting list that the Department of Health reports includes more than 4,000 children with a typical 18-month wait.

Isaac was identified through newborn hearing screening and received hearing aids at eight months old. His mother, Louise, says the aids let him take part in both the deaf and hearing communities. She describes the sound as amplified and somewhat artificial, which requires Isaac to concentrate more to pick out important sounds. Early screening also meant vents were fitted within months to address glue ear instead of joining a paediatric ENT waiting list. Key facts: - Hearing aids were fitted when Isaac was eight months old. - Louise says the hearing aids amplify all sounds and require extra effort from Isaac to process what to focus on. - Isaac now wears the aids consistently and they have become part of his routine. - Vents were inserted months after the hearing aids to treat glue ear. - The Department of Health reports more than 4,000 children are on a paediatric ENT waiting list, with a typical wait of 18 months. Summary: Early screening allowed earlier fitting of hearing aids and timely ENT treatment for Isaac, which his mother says changed his daily experience of sound. Undetermined at this time.