The aim of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening & Early Intervention Programme (UNHSEIP) is for early identification of newborns with hearing loss. 

The programme ensures that they can access timely and appropriate interventions, inequalities are reduced and the outcomes for these children, their families and whānau, communities and society are improved. The core goals of the UNHSEIP are described as "1-3-6" goals which are based on international programme measures:

Your Baby will be screened by 1 month of age, this is usually done while you are in one of WDHB birthing units, or at an outpatient appointment at the 4 sites, look at the attached pamphlet for details and photos of a hearing screen.

Audiology assessment if required is sent to Audiology at Greenlane with your baby having an appointment by 3 months of age.

Initiation of appropriate medical and audiological services and Early Intervention education services by 6 months of age.

Screening for hearing loss is strongly recommended for all newborn babies because:

• research tells us that if we find out a baby has a hearing loss early, we can begin interventions and improve a child's ability to develop language and speech and to learn and develop social skills
• the test itself is simple and safe and won't cause your baby or you any discomfort. It just takes a few minutes of your time.
• there are two teams of Newborn hearing screeners at WDHB for any queries and appointments for your baby
• West Auckland & Helensville, Phone (09) 486 8920 ext 7756
• North Shore & Warkworth, Phone (09) 486 8920 ext 7188

To access NBHS pamphlets available on line at the NSU in languages listed below click on the link:

Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Korean, Hindi, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese

https://www.nsu.govt.nz/pregnancy-newborn-screening/universal-newborn-hearing-screening-programme

• Newborn Hearing Screening.pdf.pdf.pdf (PDF, 200.4 KB)