Detecting hearing loss during childhood: Exploring the benefits of a community partnership approach

The Community Hearing Screening Program was initiated in 2017 with the vision to provide equitable and accessible post-natal hearing screening services and timely detection of hearing loss for all Queensland children. Preliminary findings of this pilot model demonstrate sustainable and low-cost care including:

• Detection rate of permanent hearing loss at 7.4/1000 children
• Childhood Community Hearing Clinics found 29 of these permanent hearing losses
• Department of Education clinics found 9 of these permanent hearing losses

Of these, 3 children have entered the Queensland Children’s Hospital Hearing Implant Program as hearing loss was very significant.

Total ‘pass and discharge’ rate is approximately 75% with 65% discharged after first screen. As well as providing a timely and accessible service to families, there was significant reduction on public hospital audiology departments waitlists.