06 October 2007

SWISH resource launched for parents of babies with hearing loss

NSW Minister for Health Reba Meagher today launched a new guide to support parents of babies diagnosed with hearing problems.

Ms Meagher said the book Hearing loss and your baby: the next step, will help parents after a child is diagnosed with hearing loss through the Statewide Infant Screening Hearing (SWISH) program.

"Around 90,000 babies are screened by the SWISH program each year and as a result 300 babies are identified with potential hearing problems and around 80 of these are diagnosed with permanent hearing loss," Ms Meagher said.

"This manual will help parents and carers access support services once an initial diagnosis has been made."

'Hearing loss and your baby: the next step' includes:

• Valuable parent-parent advice
• Explanations on different types of hearing loss and associated implications
• Advice on how to communicate with your baby
• Advice on where to go for further information
• Information on relevant support services
• A yearly planning calendar for appointments
• An early intervention checklist for parents
• Frequently Asked Questions for parents.

The resource will be distributed to parents as soon as they learn their baby has hearing problems.

"It is often a difficult time for parents and carers and it's important they have immediate access to support services, information and guidance," Ms Meagher said.

"This new manual, 'Hearing loss and your baby: the next step' will provide parents with a wealth of information and practical programs.

"By equipping parents with this new resource, we are enabling them to move beyond the initial diagnosis and towards supportive follow-up services.

"There are many valuable services available and I would like to encourage families to take advantage of these programs," Ms Meagher said.

The SWISH program is Australia's first universal population-based newborn hearing screening. All babies across NSW are given the opportunity to have free hearing screening.

The SWISH program ensures that babies identified with hearing loss can now access early intervention programs aimed at limiting learning and development difficulties associated with hearing impairment.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au