Cost-effectiveness analysis of newborn hearing screening program in Thailand

Abstract

Hearing impairment in newborn with disabilities is a condition that is more common as the third in the world. As for developed countries, the incidence infants with hearing impairment on both sides is approximately 2 - 4 infants per 1,000 live births. In developing countries, it is likely to have infants with an incidence of hearing impairment on both sides over 6 per 1,000 live births, representing 120 million people of neonatal births, due to the health condition economic and social conditions. The most important factor for speech, language
development and cognitive skills is hearing. Hearing screening in newborns can detect hearing impairment at an early age. This review aimed to present the treatment and regain speech to hearing evaluation for living in normal society. Current screening for hearing in infants is divided into two main policies: universal screening all newborns and screening the infants at risk, due to the limitations of budget and resources.