Awareness of newborn hearing screening in pediatricians and gynaecologists in Maharashtra, India

Background: A successful implementation of newborn hearing screening program requires the active participation of several health care professionals like pediatricians, gynaecologists, neonatologists, nurses and audiologists. These professionals help the parents through the process of screening, diagnosis and intervention. If they are made alert and informed regarding the importance of hearing screening, then accurate diagnosis and early intervention of hearing loss will be possible. Hence, the aim was to study the awareness of newborn hearing screening among pediatricians and gynaecologists in the state of Maharashtra, India. Methods: Questionnaire was prepared based on the review of literature and after content validation it was administered on 50 paediatricians and 50 gynaecologists via electronic mail and hard copy. Each participant had to place a tick against correct alternative out of 2 alternatives for each question. Results: The present study revealed that overall awareness level of newborn hearing screening was moderate to high in pediatricians and moderate in gynaecologists. Independent sample t test indicated that there was a significant difference present in the awareness level of pediatricians and gynaecologists. Conclusions: Majority of paediatricians and gynaecologists lacked complete information regarding the protocol, test procedures used in hearing screening and role of audiologists. Thus, continued education programs are necessary for updating the knowledge base regarding newborn hearing screening in primary care physicians.

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