The Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Committee aims to foster the establishment, maintenance and evaluation of
- high quality screening programs for the early detection of permanent childhood hearing impairment throughout Australia and New Zealand
- accessible and appropriate assessment and intervention for children identified with such hearing losses;
- accessibility to information and support for parents and of children identified with permanent childhood hearing loss; and
- a national database of newborn hearing screening.
The Committee also aims to facilitate discussion and sharing of experience among professionals and parents involved in programs aimed at the early diagnosis of permanent childhood hearing loss in Australia, as well as promoting research into the delivery of and outcomes from these programs. This Conference is a key activity undertaken by the Committee to achieve these aims.
The Committee advocates at both National and State levels for progress and innovation in policy and resourcing for the area of early detection and intervention for children with a hearing loss.
The Committee consists of members from every state and territory in Australia, as well as representatives from New Zealand. Committee members cover a number of elements of early detection process including program administration and management, parents, audiology, paediatrics, otorhinolaryngology, habilitation, and early intervention/education.
