Kerala is the First State in the Country to Make Newborn Hearing Screening

KOCHI:
Cochlear’s Global Hearing Ambassador and International Cricket legend Brett Lee visited Kerala to amplify and continue conversations about Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, with an intention that it should be made mandatory across all hospitals in the state. Kerala is the first state in the country to provide hearing screening in all government centres.

Speaking at the briefing Brett Lee acknowledged Kerala’s progress stating, “Kerala has made tremendous progress in the last 4 years and the efforts must be applauded. There are 61 delivery points in the state’s government maternity centre and all the centres have been equipped with hearing screeners. Kerala’s endeavors to push for Universal Newborn Hearing Screening is an outstanding example of trailblazing leadership in introducing such an important healthcare initiative in India. Now the average number of newborn babies screened for hearing loss in government set up is 1 lakh per year. We hope to see a similar success rate in the private hospitals. We must and will strive together to complete the last mile so that no child will have to live in silence.”

According to the WHO, hearing loss affects more than 5 per cent of the world’s population – or over 466 million people in the world suffer from disabling hearing loss. 34 million of these people are children. If relevant measures are not undertaken, over 900 million people will have severe hearing loss by 2050. Left untreated, it can affect communication and can lead to social isolation, anxiety, depression and cognitive decline. Yet, most people are unaware of the advanced treatment options available. Kerala has more than 1.05 lakh people suffering from severe hearing impairment.

Dr. Sreehari Madhavankutty Nair, State Nodal Officer (Child Health), National Health Mission, Kerala added to Brett’s remarks saying, “Measures need to be undertaken to ensure that every child born in the state is screened for hearing loss. There is evidence that before the baby reaches six months – if intervention and support is provided along with early diagnosis, parental adjustment is improved and the child’s language development gets better. With the introduction of the Kathoram project in 2017, the hearing screening has been elevated to a life cycle approach in Hearing Disability Management and this project will impact lives of people identified with hearing loss in a positive way. National Health Mission as part of RBSK has initiated steps to ensure screening of all newborn born in all government sector delivery points from this year onwards and Department of Health has taken steps to advocate for newborn screening in private sector as well.”

Dr. Sachidananda Kamath, Pediatrician and Former President of Central Indian Academy of Pediatrics (CIAP) said, “Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Cochin Branch was the first organisation to start a comprehensive hearing screening program in 2003 for all the Newborns in Kochi. The program was further expanded as the ‘Hearing Friendly Ernakulam District; in 2014 aiming to reach all the hospitals in the district. Till April 2019, of the 1,70,168 newborns that were screened, 4009 babies were detected to have hearing deficit. As part of the program conceptualized by Dr. Abraham K Paul, these babies were referred for confirmatory tests and remedial measures. Now IAP is all set to extend the programs to all other districts of Kerala. The program is included in action plan of IAP National President.”

Speaking on the advancement of healthcare technology, Dr. Manoj Manikoth, Senior Consultant ENT and Cochlear Implant Surgeon said, “Today, with the advancements of innovative medical technology, a range of options are being made available to change lives for the better. People with hearing loss now have access to alternative solutions that can permanently cure their impairment. Rizwana PA and Abhirami K, both MBBS students and cochlear implant recipients are outstanding examples of how healthcare technology has transformed their lives. Implantable hearing solutions such as cochlear implants have brought hope to people with hearing disabilities.”