Manitoba Expands Newborn Hearing Screening Program

Another great announcement from the province: Manitoba has committed to expand its newborn hearing screening program into a universal program with teams in every regional health authority.

From the press release:

“Every family deserves access to the screening and supports they need to give their baby the best chance for a healthy start,” said Minister Blady.  “This expanded program will help ensure no child with congenital hearing loss falls through the cracks.”

The minister noted the quick diagnosis and treatment of children with hearing loss can be key in helping them develop cognitive, speech-processing and learning skills, adding the biggest gains are made if hearing loss is detected and diagnosed before a baby is three months old.

The supporting legislation will come into effect September 1, 2016.

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