Hearing is a child's most precious resource and the sooner a hearing problem is identified, the sooner it can be treated. The good news for Grahamstown parents is that this week, Karien Fourie Audiologists introduced a neonatal hearing screening programme at Netcare Settlers Hospital.
Hearing is a child's most precious resource and the sooner a hearing problem is identified, the sooner it can be treated. The good news for Grahamstown parents is that this week, Karien Fourie Audiologists introduced a neonatal hearing screening programme at Netcare Settlers Hospital.
Offering basic hearing testing for all babies born on the Netcare side of Settlers, the programme will run indefinitely.
The hearing acuity of children from as young as a day old is measured using an otoacoustic emission assessment. This test is objective and painless, takes only a few minutes and can easily identify hearing problems.
The earlier a child's hearing defect is identified, the sooner it can be managed, heading off possible developmental delays. New parents will be approached in the private maternity ward of Settlers Hospital before discharge and counselled on the importance of testing.
If they would like to have the test done, the audiologists will perform the test and the results will be given immediately. This test is covered by most medical aids.
Parents can ask a nurse or their doctor about the tests.
For more information, call Karien Fourie Audiologists at 046 622 8804.
