Abstract
The importance of early detection of hearing impairment in newborns and children and the early rehabilitation of hearing disorder with hearing aid or cochlear implant was demonstrated in a number of papers. As a result, newborn hearing screening was introduced in many countries around the world.
The authors summarize the basic information about the importance of screening, the history of screening and its organization. Provided information is based on experience with the gradual introduction of screening over recent years in the regions in which they work.
Newborn hearing screening should be organized in several stages (1 - screening at maternity hospitals, 2 - rescreening on collaborating otolaryngology/phoniatric workplaces and 3 - detailed hearing examination in centers in children whose screening was negative). The authors focus on problems related to the organization of screening and offer practical advice (e.g. implementation of screening coordinators).
They consider it is essential to have statistical evidence of examination at all levels. Introducing of newborn hearing screening is not a short-term task but a long-term (many years) challenge.