Question
Is newborn hearing screening free?
Answer
Newborn hearing screening is free, as it is supported by the national subsidy program. The initial screening usually takes place during the hospital stay from 3 to 5 days after birth, and the second screening is conducted within 42 days after birth. If the initial screening does not pass, or if the initial screening result is ‘suspicious,’ even if the initial screening passes, newborns in high-risk groups also need to undergo a re-screening for hearing. The purpose of these screenings is to detect children with hearing loss before symptoms appear, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment, and to seize the golden period for treatment.