The National Obstetrics Hospital will check new-born babies for hearing impairments under a trial programme to begin this month, according to Dr Nguyen Cong Nghia, head of the hospital's Research and Training Division.
Nghia said the scans to detect hearing defects would be reviewed for wider application after one month. This type of service has already been available.
He said hearing-impairments occurred in up to 2 out of every 100 new-born babies.
"The scans will help check the hearing of new-born babies and ensure timely treatment if any hearing impairments are discovered," he said.
The scans should be carried out no later than three days after a baby's birth, while preventative procedures should be carried out in the first six months. Nghia said hearing impairments found in children who are two years old or older are a lot more difficult to correct.
Vietnam has about 500,000 people suffering from hearing impairments, with the rate among children reaching as high as 5 percent. There are no official figures on the rate among new-borns, Nghia said.
The causes of hearing impairment in new-borns are thought to include complications during pregnancy and genetics.
"Scans should be carried out for all new-born babies," said Nghia.
The scanning process would cause no pain to the child or any side effects. If there are signs of a hearing impairment, medical experts will give a detailed diagnosis and offer treatment alternatives.
The cost of a scan, yet to be set, should be between 100,000 to 120,000VND (5-6 USD).
Nghia said the hospital would also set up a hot-line for concerned parents to provide consultancy and answers to questions relating to the scanning programme./.
Nghia said the scans to detect hearing defects would be reviewed for wider application after one month. This type of service has already been available.
He said hearing-impairments occurred in up to 2 out of every 100 new-born babies.
"The scans will help check the hearing of new-born babies and ensure timely treatment if any hearing impairments are discovered," he said.
The scans should be carried out no later than three days after a baby's birth, while preventative procedures should be carried out in the first six months. Nghia said hearing impairments found in children who are two years old or older are a lot more difficult to correct.
Vietnam has about 500,000 people suffering from hearing impairments, with the rate among children reaching as high as 5 percent. There are no official figures on the rate among new-borns, Nghia said.
The causes of hearing impairment in new-borns are thought to include complications during pregnancy and genetics.
"Scans should be carried out for all new-born babies," said Nghia.
The scanning process would cause no pain to the child or any side effects. If there are signs of a hearing impairment, medical experts will give a detailed diagnosis and offer treatment alternatives.
The cost of a scan, yet to be set, should be between 100,000 to 120,000VND (5-6 USD).
Nghia said the hospital would also set up a hot-line for concerned parents to provide consultancy and answers to questions relating to the scanning programme./.
