A comparison of Japan's newborn hearing screening process to the state of Indiana early hearing detection and intervention program

Abstract

Healthcare is important in all societies. That includes hearing healthcare. This paper focuses on Newborn Hearing Screening, comparing screening, and follow-up procedures in Japan and the United States. Literature review and the expert knowledge and opinions of Japanese physicians were used as primary sources of information about screening practices in Japan. The Indiana Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program was used as a model of Newborn Hearing Screening practices in the United States. Additionally, the role of audiologists as hearing healthcare providers was explored. Findings suggest that audiologists do not playa primary role in Newborn Hearing Screenings or follow-up diagnostic evaluations in Japan. Also, Newborn Hearing Screening is not yet "universal" in Japan, whereas 98% of all infants are screened for hearing loss at birth in the United States.