Newborn Hearing Screening

Taranaki babies are offered hearing screenings within their first month of life. The screenings are part of the National Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme and checks whether the baby hears well. It is a simple and safe process that does not hurt the baby. The screening takes approximately 30 minutes and parents receive the results straight away. All eligible babies can have hearing screenings free of charge.

Most Taranaki babies will be offered screening before they leave hospital. For babies not screened in hospital, or those born at home, an outpatient appointment is offered. Outpatient clinics are held at Taranaki Base Hospital, Hawera Hospital and Stratford Health Centre.

The qualified screeners carry out screenings using the latest technology and follow national protocols. An important part of their role is to ensure any babies identified with a potential hearing loss are referred to the Audiology department at Taranaki Base Hospital for diagnostic testing.

For more information visit www.nsu.govt.nz

Contact Us:

You can phone the Newborn Hearing Screening Unit on (06) 753 6139 Ext 8627 or phone Carol Wells NHSEIP Coordinator on Ext 8689

Last updated: Wednesday, March 15, 2023