NEWBORN babies in the Island will be tested within four weeks of birth for hearing problems.
That's the pledge from the Department of Health after the trustees of the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust funded new hearing screening equipment.
As a result of the funding the Island's newborn hearing screening service was re-structured and since going live, on October 5, more than 300 babies have been tested.
A small number of children have already been identified as having potential hearing loss.
Stephen Griffiths, head of audiology, said: "The equipment is very well utilised and given that we are already identifying potentially deaf babies there can be absolutely no doubt as to how much the equipment benefits the Island's population.
"On behalf of the team here and every baby who is given a better start in life due to this equipment, the Audiology Department would like to express its gratitude to the trustees for the purchase."
There are now three screening clinics per week and it is a simple process. Stephen explained: "The procedure itself is very quick and non-invasive - all we do is place a small tip from the new equipment into the baby's ear which plays a clicking sound.
"If the baby has normal hearing the equipment then registers an echo from the inner ear in response to the sound played. The test normally only takes a few seconds for each ear, so provided the baby is asleep (preferably having been fed beforehand) it normally doesn't wake them.
"Obviously sometimes we don't get the response we need which can be due to several reasons, including hearing loss. This will mean a second more in-depth test and possibly a further appointment with the children's audiology team. Parents report that they are pleasantly surprised at how quick the test is with many fascinated by the equipment itself."
Laurence Keenan, chair of the trustees of the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust, said: "The trustees are very pleased to be able to provide the funds to purchase this equipment. The continued support from the trust is only possible through donations and bequests of varying sizes, which when combined can make a real contribution to the Island's healthcare - particularly in times of restricted spending such as now.
"The gratitude is owed to those who have left our charity funds through bequests or through donations over the years. Without such support this essential contribution for the acquisition of new equipment would not have been possible."
Anyone with an appointment with the Audiology Department is asked to attend so that the clinic space is not wasted. If you are unable to attend contact Noble's Hospital on 01624 650407 and another appointment will be made.
