DOH’s COVID Response in Relation to Newborn Hearing Screening

By mavin.reyes | Published on March 26, 2020

Please read the Department of Health’s response to the COVID Pandemic in relation to the Newborn Hearing Screening Test:

Greetings!

In the light of recent events regarding the COVID 19 pandemic and the Luzonwide community quarantine that is being imposed, the Newborn Hearing Screening Reference Center is issuing a recommendation to all Newborn Hearing Centers to DEFER newborn hearing screening as follows:

Initial screening with Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE or DPOAE) – 1 to 2 months after birth or Automated Auditory Steady State Response (AABR)

Rescreening with Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE or DPOAE) – 2 weeks after initial screening

Confirmatory testing can still be done before 3 months and will still fall within the recommended 1-3-6 month algorithm.

The NHSRC will not be able to supply the Newborn Hearing Screening Registry Cards during the lockdown due to the unavailability of staff to process orders.

We also understand that hearing screening personnel, nurses and doctors may be exposed to COVID 19 and that the risk of infecting infants as well as the risk of further exposure of the personnel to COVID 19 in the birthing facilities far outweighs the benefits of hearing screening before the infant is discharged.