Africazine:
South Africa is missing a critical opportunity to support newborns with hearing loss through universal screening.
A recent policy brief reveals that approximately 17 infants are born daily with permanent hearing loss in South Africa, totaling around 6,000 each year. However, fewer than 10% of newborns currently receive the necessary hearing screening, delaying crucial early intervention.
Urgent Need for Newborn Hearing Screening in South Africa
The policy brief, titled “Every child heard: Why South Africa must implement universal newborn hearing screening now,” emphasizes the importance of early detection. It highlights that many children are diagnosed much later, often between 20 to 30 months, which is significantly beyond the World Health Organization’s recommendation for screening within the first month of life.
Prof De Wet Swanepoel of the University of Pretoria stresses that timely identification can be achieved within hours after birth. The current system leaves many caregivers unaware of their child’s hearing status, which can hinder healthy development.
Economic Burden of Unidentified Hearing Loss
The policy brief outlines the economic implications of failing to screen newborns. The lifetime economic burden of one annual birth cohort of unidentified infant hearing loss is estimated at R68.6 billion, translating to about R1 billion per year of life. This underscores the need for immediate action to implement universal screening.
Dr Noxolo Gqada from the Hold My Hand Accelerator for Children and Teens highlights that equitable access to hearing interventions is crucial. She advocates for a system that ensures every child can receive the support they need, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Next Steps for Implementation
- Implement universal hearing screening within the first month of life.
- Ensure fair and timely access to intervention services for all children.
- Promote inclusive intervention services that respect all communication modes.
- Support caregivers in understanding their child’s hearing status.
Every child in South Africa deserves the chance to hear and communicate from birth.
