Implementation of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening in the Philippines: A Survey of Registered Newborn Hearing Centers

Authors

  • Patrick John P. Labra, MD Philippine National Ear Institute, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7193-1203
  • Olivia Agnes D. Mejia, MD Philippine National Ear Institute, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Rosario R. Ricalde, MD Philippine National Ear Institute, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila; Newborn Hearing Screening Reference Center, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Jaymilyn V. Catangay-Ombao, MClinAud Philippine National Ear Institute, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila; Newborn Hearing Screening Reference Center, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila; Department of Speech Pathology, College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Anna Pamela C. Dela Cruz, MD Philippine National Ear Institute, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Giancarla Marie C. Ambrocio, MD Philippine National Ear Institute, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Myra G. Capistrano, MClinAud Philippine National Ear Institute, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Nelson O. Eugenio, RPh, MClinAud Philippine National Ear Institute, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila; Newborn Hearing Screening Reference Center, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v57i9.4342

Keywords:

universal newborn hearing screening, newborn screening, early hearing detection, intervention

Abstract

Background. Universal newborn hearing screening is mandated in the Philippines through the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Act of 2009 (RA 9709). Newborn hearing screening (NBHS) centers are required to perform screening tests, compile and submit data on screened newborns, and advise parents on the subsequent steps after NBHS.

Objective. The study aimed to conduct a survey of the implementation of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program (UNHSIP) in the different regions of the country; and assess the information technology (IT) capabilities of hearing centers.

Methods. Fifty-one NBHS centers across twelve regions were surveyed through on-site inspections in 2016. Data was gathered on the centers’ testing capability, staffing, access to specialists, use of local protocols, connectivity, and IT capabilities.

Results. All surveyed centers followed the recommended protocols of the Manual of Operations of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Act of 2009 (RA 9709). Among the 12 regions visited, only five (41.67%) had Category C centers with confirmatory testing and early amplification services as recommended. Majority of facilities (96.1%) were staffed by trained and certified personnel. A small percentage had access to subspecialists such as clinical audiologists (39.2%) and speech-language pathologists (23.5%). All facilities had computer access, but only 58.8% had internet access. Majority (94.1%) of the centers visited were not using the recommended data submission methods, specifically the use of registry cards and the online registry. Only 27.5% of centers had data on newborns who underwent confirmatory testing or early intervention.

Conclusion. Facilities were found to be compliant to NBHS screening protocols and majority complied with certification requirements for staff; but were found to be non-compliant with use of registry cards or the online registry. Majority of centers were able to contact the parents of neonates who did not pass newborn screening, but had no system to track outcomes. Lack of confirmatory and early intervention services in identified areas emphasize the need for development of regional centers. It is recommended that measures to improve the utilization of the online registry are taken.

 

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Published

2023-09-27

Issue

Vol. 57 No. 9 (2023): Hearing for Life (HeLe) Research Program, Newborn Hearing Screening in the Philippines and Beyond

Section

Articles

How to Cite

1.
Implementation of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening in the Philippines: A Survey of Registered Newborn Hearing Centers. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2023 Sep. 27 [cited 2025 Apr. 19];57(9). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/4342

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