The Joint Committee of Infant Hearing (JCIH) in America
proposed the "1-3-6 Principle":
All infants should have access to hearing screening using a physiologic measure at no later than 1 month of age;
All infants who do not pass the initial hearing screening and the subsequent rescreening should have appropriate audiological and medical evaluations to confirm the presence of hearing loss at no later than 3 months of age;
All infants with confirmed permanent hearing loss should receive early intervention services as soon as possible after diagnosis but at no later than 6 months of age.
It also stated that the child and family should have immediate access to high-quality technology including hearing aids 、 cochlear implants and other assistive devices when appropriate .
Importance of children's hearing
In addition to congenital factor, during the growth of children, hearing loss can also be caused by acquired factors such as bacterial meningitis、head trauma、otitis、media or Otitis media with effusion etc.Hearing impairment is one of the causes of children's developmental disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm hearing loss early and offer appropriate treatment and intervention so as not to miss the golden age of children's language learning and speech skills, resulting in a delay of language ability、cognitive ability or psychology development.
Newborn hearing care in Macau
In Macau, from June 1, 2015, the Serviços de Saúde provides hearing screening testing services for newborn babies no later than 28 days from birth. The test is safe and accurate and will not cause pain or hurt. If do not pass the hearing screening, the baby must be referred to otolaryngology department of hospital for further hearing tests.
