Neonatal screen - i.e. the Neonatal Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP),

by specially trained screeners using standard protocols for OAE and AABR testing, before discharge from hospital or at outreach clinics.

Targeted Infant Distraction Test (TIDT)

This is a 40dB hearing screen at the age of 7months, by peripatetic health visitor and nursery nurse teams, at suitably quiet community clinics.

The baby's Health Visitor will be notified by CHIS of any babies who missed the neonatal screen for any reason, or moved into the area.

She should discuss this with the parent/carer and liaise with the local TIDT team who will arrange to test the child at 7months.

N.B. TIDT is only for babies who missed neonatal screening for any reason

Enhanced Surveillance

This is necessary for babies and children who are thought to be at risk for delayed onset or progressive hearing loss, or who had minor hearing loss on neonatal assessment.

The main risks are a family history of progressive hearing loss, intra-uterine infections, and neuro-developmental problems

You will be notified by the Freeman Audiology department about these children if the risk factor is evident neonatally.

A checklist of some medical conditions which may be associated with progressive hearing loss is included in this pack for your information; please liaise with the child's doctor if you have any concerns.

Extra checklists in addition to the usual Hall 4 surveillance programme, are provided for your direct contacts with these children at ages 7months, 2years and pre-school. There is to be one additional direct contact at 3years.

N.B. These checklists are not intended as parental questionnaires, but as guidance for yourself when assessing the child's progress.

Flow chart for Northumberland school entry hearing screening

Ongoing Surveillance for all Children

A parental checklist is enclosed and you may find this useful for all children; a copy will be included in the Parent Held Record in addition to the checklists for "making sounds" and "reactions to sounds".

NB. Only half of deaf children are born with hearing loss as far as we know.

About a third of deaf children have no other medical problem.

Be aware, and seek advice if in doubt!!!