Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Newborn Hearing Screening Program: A Center in Turkey

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the effects of newborn hearing screening program in Turkey based on the age of diagnosis, amplification and initiation of education between 2000 and 2017. the study was designed as a retrospective study. the files of 997 children registered with a research and education center for children with hearing loss were analyzed. the findings indicated that the age of diagnosis, amplification and initiation of education significantly decreased after the national newborn hearing screening program was introduced throughout the years. However, the recommended universal standards were achieved only for a minority of children in terms of timely diagnosis and early intervention. Delay in amplification mostly observed in children with mild-moderate loses and late diagnosis, was found as related to the testing in more than two different clinics. the findings on late initiation of education were discussed based on the reports in relevant literature and monitoring problems after the diagnosis and the problems observed in early education system in Turkey.