Newborn Hearing Screening Program Policy
MP 0167/21 - Newborn Hearing Screening Program Policy (pdf 139KB)
Applicable to: This Policy is applicable to all Health Service Providers and contracted health entities.
Description: The Newborn Hearing Screening Program Policy outlines roles, responsibilities and reporting requirements for Health Service Providers and contracted health entities that provide the Newborn Hearing Screening Program.
The Newborn Hearing Screening Program involves screening newborn babies to identify those with moderate to profound (> 40 decibels) congenital permanent bilateral, unilateral sensory or permanent conductive hearing loss including neural hearing loss.
The Newborn Hearing Screening Program is provided by the WA health system as part of standard maternity care.
This Policy is a mandatory requirement under the Public Health Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(c) of the Health Services Act 2016.
This Policy supersedes OD 0239/09 Newborn Hearing Screening.
Date of effect: 29 July 2021
Policy Framework
Public Health
NHS Program Procedure (pdf 197KB)
Equipment Specification Requirements (pdf 294KB)
Performance Indicators Form (pdf 287KB)
National Agreement of Council of Australian Governments (2009)
National Framework for Neonatal Hearing Screening (2013)
Newborn Hearing Screening Program (Perth Children's Hospital)
Newborn Hearing Screening Brochure (Perth Children's Hospital)
Why does my baby need further hearing tests? (Perth Children's Hospital)