Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme in Malaysia and Nigeria

Abstract

The developing countries of the world are still lagging in the implementation of the universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS). In other to eradicate unnecessary earshot impairments via suitable rehabilitation processes, there is need for more studies. Thus, this chapter is channeled to bridge this gap. This study used secondary data by comprehensively reviewing the published researches and other relevant and related works and found that UNHS practices in Malaysia and Nigeria have both differences and similarities. The two countries use AABR and OAE as their protocol, and the newborn hearing screening is not binding on the caregivers in both countries. However, their approaches differ in the area of finance, follow-up intervals, and the years of introduction among others. Nevertheless, there are some challenges impeding the effective implementation of the programme which includes include lack of awareness, death of personnel, inadequate diagnostic centers, among others. Given these findings, this chapter could be said to have practical implications for the stakeholders.