December 16, 2021
Province Seeks Feedback From Parents And Health-Care Providers On Universal Newborn Hearing Screening
The Manitoba government is gathering feedback on the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Act and welcomes parents and clinicians to share their experiences with newborn hearing screening services, Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon announced today.
“Identifying a baby’s hearing loss soon after birth is important to give families and health care professionals time to decide on the best way to help these children develop strong cognitive, speech-processing and learning skills,” said Gordon. “We want to hear from parents, caregivers and health care providers about their experiences. This will help us identify what’s working and how we might improve the act to ensure these vital services and related supports serve families well in the future.”
The Universal Hearing Screening Service is available for all infants born in Manitoba or newborns who arrive to Manitoba in early infancy at less than six months of age. The act was established in 2016 with the goal of ensuring Manitoba families are provided access to newborn hearing screening services.
Through the online survey, parents with children born in Manitoba after Aug. 31, 2016, can share their experience of being offered newborn hearing screening services. Clinicians involved in newborn hearing screening services can provide input about offering these services.
To complete the EngageMB survey, visit https://engagemb.ca/newborn-hearing-screening. The survey will be open until Jan. 14, 2022.
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