Newborn Hearing Screening In South Dakota

Teresa Disburg

Newborn Hearing Screening is not mandated in South Dakota but we are very proud of our high percentage of infants screened.  Since 2003, there has been a steady increase in the number of infants born in South Dakota and are screened prior to 1 month of age. For the year 2007, SDNHSP rate of infants born in South Dakota who are screened prior to 1 month is at 97%. Contributing factors to South Dakota’s success in gathering these statistics was a unique, collaborative venture between the South Dakota Department of Health’s Office of Data, Statistics and Vital Records and Statistics and the Office of Family Health which worked together to link the state’s Electronic Birth Certificate (EBC) with the Newborn Metabolic and Hearing Screening Programs and the willingness of birth facilities to screen infants.

Our data is entered into a web-based system called the Electronic Vital Records Screening System (EVRSS).  The EVRSS program was installed statewide in over 170 medical clinics and seven diagnostic audiology clinics.  These facilities have the potential of screeing an infant with a possible hearing loss and then enter the medical and audiological evaluations into the EVRSS program. Entering these results into EVRSS permits easier and timely tracking and follow-up of newborns as they go from their initial hearing screening to a possible re-screen, a PCP evaluation, and an appointment with a diagnostic audiologist.

By matching to the birth certificate in the EVRSS program, we can know percentage of infants who have been screened, re-screened, if a medical and audiological evaluation was done and the referral to appropriate programs.  To assist with follow-up, EVRSS can generate reports which identify infants by name, and if additional appointments are needed. To assist with follow-up, reports showing infants who were never screened or are in need of re-screening are sent to the birthing facilities as a reminder to contact the families to set up an appointment.  Letters are also sent by the SDNHSP to these parents as a friendly reminder on the importance of having their infant’s hearing screened.

Currently we do not track recommendations for genetic testing/counseling on infants diagnosed with hearing loss.  

For those infants born in South Dakota but who are residents of another state, the SDNHSP sends initial and any follow-up hearing screening results to the state hearing program the infant resides in. This follow-up system assists with assuring the SDNHSP database is correct and current.

An obstacle the SDNHSP continues to work with is staff turn-over and in providing appropriate training on the use of the hearing screening equipment.

However, South Dakota continues to see an increase in the number of infants being screened prior to hospital discharge. This increase can be attributed to the participation and support of health care providers and increased public awareness about the importance of having a baby’s hearing screened.