In 2011 the Canadian Paediatric Society published a statement recommending universal newborn hearing screening.¹ Since that time more provinces/territories are moving towards implementation. Some have partial programs, or offer screening for select populations. The territories offer partial programs in the capital cities. Other provinces offer screening in select regions, hospitals or by request. Currently five provinces – Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and British Columbia, have fully implemented universal newborn hearing screening programs which are legislated. They screen within the first month, provide diagnosis at three months and intervention by the appropriate professional at six months.²

According to a Report Card on Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, only British Columbia received an ‘excellent’ rating with Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick receiving a ‘good’ rating. You can see this Report Card here. A further progress report in January 2016 by the Canadian Infant Hearing Task Force has reported that Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador and the Northwest Territories are all in the process of implementing programs. See the Progress Report here. Continued work is needed in Canada so that this evidence-based intervention is available to all Canadian infants.

¹Patel H, Feldman M, Canadian Paediatrics Society. Universal newborn hearing screening. Paediatrics and Child Health 2011;16:301-5.

²Canadian Paediatric Society, 2012 edition. Are we doing enough? A status report on Canadian public policy and child and youth health.