VANCOUVER - Newborns in B.C.'s neonatal intensive care units are now being checked for hearing loss as part of the first phase of a provincial universal hearing screening program.

"The earlier we detect hearing problems, the easier it is to effectively treat them and support the needs of children with hearing loss and their families," said Minister of State for Childcare Linda Reid. "This program is one of the many ways our government is improving support for those with special needs and the most vulnerable British Columbians. Early screening and detection is one of the best investments we can make in the future of the children of our province."

Through the BC Early Hearing Program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), simple and safe screening tests are used to check the hearing of newborns who stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units for more than 48 hours after birth. These newborns were chosen to be in the first phase of the program due to their higher risk of having hearing loss. All 13 neonatal intensive care screening sites are operational. In the fall, the program will begin expanding to ensure that all children born in B.C. will have their hearing checked.

"Without early hearing screening, children are often three or four years old before their hearing loss is detected, and by then they have lost valuable years for developing their language and communication skills," said Ann Marie Newroth, provincial co-ordinator for the BC Early Hearing Program. "B.C.'s health authorities are working together to diagnose hearing loss as soon as possible after birth, so that babies and their families can get the support they need for success."

PHSA manages the program as part of its unique mandate to collaborate with regional health authorities to improve access to specialized health services. The program was announced by the provincial government as part of a $73-million plan to provide hearing, dental and vision screening for children under the age of six.

The provincewide program builds on the work of provincial and regional leaders in the development of infant audiology programs, such as BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre and BC Children's Hospital (agencies of the PHSA), Vancouver Island Health Authority and Fraser Health's Surrey Memorial Hospital. Working with health authority staff and stakeholders, the program has been developing provincial standards and protocols for practice, and training staff throughout the province in preparation for provincewide screening.

PHSA plans, manages, and evaluates selected specialty and provincewide health-care services across B.C., working with the five geographic health authorities to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, please visit www.phsa.ca.