Provincial funding allows newborn hearing checks to resume

Babies who didn't receive a newborn hearing screening because of the pandemic can now receive the service.

The Ontario government has announced $3.8 million to help infants who didn't receive the universal newborn hearing screening due to COVID-19.

The Infant Hearing Program detects signs of early hearing loss for children, and is commonly provided before newborns are discharged from hospitals. Earlier in the pandemic, the lead agencies suspended the screenings at hospitals and in community locations, according to the province.

“Supporting the health and well-being of newborns and their families is a priority,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, in a news release. “These additional funds mean that newborns who missed their hearing screening will now be able to receive this vital service, and that concerns or risks can be addressed early and infants are provided with the support they need as soon as possible.”

According to the news release, the money "will increase audiology capacity by hiring audiologists and increasing referrals for hearing checks."

A list of agencies offering the Infant Hearing Program is available here.