NEWBORN HEARING SCREENING AND FOLLOW UP IN THE EUROPEAN AREA

CNR Center of Biomedical Engineering, Milan, Italy

Newborn hearing screening is slowly but steadily gaining momentum in Europe. The present situation differs greatly from country to country. By contrast an integrated system of newborn hearing screening, assessment and treatment is still at the preliminary stage. The delay is mainly due to the lack of appropriate infrastructures and background knowledge among those involved in the field.

This communication will give a survey of implemented newborn hearing screening systems in various European countries, with emphasis on strengths and weaknesses.

It will be announced here the organization of the NHS 2000, International Conference on Newborn Hearing Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment. Such an event is expected to increase the level of awareness about the crucial importance of early detection of hearing impairment and intervention among pediatricians, neonatologists and health care administrators.