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As parents, health and well-being are of prime importance for your baby. Hearing health is one aspect of infant care that is often overlooked. Sound or hearing is a vital sense that supports the child’s language development, learning ability, and social interactions. Early identification of hearing issues can make all the difference; that’s why newborn hearing screening in Ahmedabad is an indispensable step in your baby’s healthcare journey.
In this post, we’ll explain why hearing screening is vital, provide a detailed overview of how it is conducted, and spotlight the excellent newborn services available in Ahmedabad.
Why Is Newborn Hearing Screening Essential?
One of the most common conditions identified at birth is hearing loss. Studies indicate that 1 to 3 infants out of every 1,000 live births suffer from this condition. The significance of early screening is well addressed by the following argument:
- Early Detection Improves Outcomes: Early detection of hearing loss allows interventions such as hearing aids, speech therapy, or cochlear implants to be started during the critical developmental period.
- Language and Cognitive Development: Undiagnosed hearing impairments can hinder a child’s ability to learn language skills, which influences cognitive development and social interactions.
- Mitigation of Delays: With prompt assessment and appropriate intervention, children who have hearing loss can reach the same developmental milestones as their peers.
- Universal Screening Success: Global research shows that universal newborn hearing screening programs have significantly reduced the average age of diagnosis of hearing loss from over two years to just a few months.
How Is Newborn Hearing Screening Done?
Newborn hearing screening is painless, rapid, and straightforward. Here is what to expect:
1. When Is It Done?
Screening is normally carried out within 48 hours of birth or even before discharge from the hospital. If born at home or if the baby was missed at the initial screening, a parent should seek a screening appointment during the first month.
2. The Screening Methods
There are two primary tests used for newborn hearing screening:
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE):
- A small earphone and microphone are inserted into the baby’s ear.
- Soft sounds are played, and the device measures the echo produced by the inner ear.
- If no echo is found, further testing is needed.
- This test is very short, taking only a few minutes.
Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR):
- Electrodes are placed on the baby’s scalp to measure brain activity in response to sound.
- This test checks the working of the auditory nerve and provides much information.
3. What if the Baby Fails the Test?
Failure of the first test does not mean the baby suffers from hearing loss. Fluid in the ear or movement during the test can give false results. Another screening or a more detailed diagnostic test is planned in this case.
Newborn Hearing Screening in Ahmedabad: What Sets It Apart
It is becoming a pediatric advanced healthcare hub and newborn hearing screening is no exception. Here’s how Ahmedabad stands out in offering these services:
1. Specialized Pediatric Audiology Centres
Ahmedabad has numerous fully equipped hospitals and clinics with state-of-the-art audiology equipment. Some major hospitals, such as Ashwi ENT Hospitals, Dr Manish Goyal’s ENT clinic, and smaller specialized pediatric centers, offer reliable screening services.
2. Affordable Options for Every Family
Screening can be availed in private hospitals and government health facilities at varied costs. Government and NGOs in Ahmedabad are also facilitating free or reduced-cost screening for the low-income group.
3. Trained Professionals
The city has an excellent network of ENT specialists, audiologists, and pediatricians ensuring that screenings and follow-ups are conducted with accuracy and care.
4. Awareness Creation
Public health campaigns and community health centers have been working to make newborn hearing screening known among parents. An increase in the uptake of services has been witnessed in the city.
Tips for Parents: Preparing for Newborn Hearing Screening
Being a parent, here are a few things that you can do to have a hassle-free screening process.
Discuss with Your Pediatrician: Before delivery, discuss the hospital’s newborn hearing screening protocol with your doctor.
Stay Calm and Prepared: Relax and be ready because the test is not painful and is very fast. Therefore, your baby will have no discomfort.
Further Evaluation as Indicated: If your baby needs further evaluation, do not delay. Prompt follow-up may greatly improve outcomes.
Comprehend Your Entitlements: Inquire with your healthcare provider for comprehensive details regarding the screening procedure and the appropriate steps to take in the event of atypical results.
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