SHAH ALAM - Malaysia's newborn hearing screening programme has significantly expanded its coverage, rising from 60 per cent to 80 per cent in just a few years.
This marked a positive step towards better infant health.
However, to sustain and further this progress, healthcare providers must continue to play crucial roles in the success of universal newborn hearing screening initiatives.
Their commitment and expertise were vital in ensuring that every newborn received timely screenings, fostering early detection and intervention that can significantly enhance developmental outcomes for children across the country.
Prince Court Medical Centre consultant otolaryngologist (ENT) Dr Anura Michelle Manuel said the programme started with high-risk screening in 2001 and expanded to universal screening in about 30 government hospitals by 2014, aiming for 98 to 99 per cent coverage.
"Countries like Italy, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) have already achieved high rates due to mandatory laws.
"In Southeast Asia, Singapore has high coverage, while Thailand is around 70-80 per cent.
"Malaysia includes both urban and rural areas, with most births occurring in hospitals equipped for screening, such as Kuantan Hospital and Temerloh Hospital. While home births are rare, hospital births ensure high screening rates," she said.
Anura highlighted that despite challenges faced, Malaysia's progress indicated the potential for even higher coverage, benefiting more children through early detection and intervention for hearing loss.
She also stressed that healthcare providers played crucial roles in the success of universal newborn hearing screening programmes.
She said obstetricians and paediatricians educate parents about the importance of screening and necessary follow-up actions.
Audiologists, nurses and technicians, she said conduct the screenings and ensure quality control through proper training.
"Providers maintain databases to track newborns needing further testing, ensuring timely follow-ups and interventions. Monitoring quality indicators helps improve programme effectiveness.
"Medical social workers offer emotional support and help families access funding for treatments. Speech therapists provide therapy for children with hearing loss, guide parents in language development and collaborate with educators for school accommodations," she said.
She added that healthcare providers also communicate with schools about a child's hearing status and recommend strategies to support learning and social interactions, ensuring early intervention and support for optimal development.