Awareness, Attitudes, and Acceptance of Newborn Hearing Screening Among Parents and Nurses in a Private Healthcare Setting
Keywords:
Newborn Hearing Screening, Hearing Loss, Parents, Nurses, Awareness, Attitude, Acceptance, Early Intervention, Neonatal Care, Universal Hearing ScreeningAbstract
Early identification of hearing impairment is essential for promoting normal speech, language, cognitive, and social development in children. Newborn Hearing Screening (NHS) has emerged as an effective strategy for detecting congenital hearing loss within the first few days of life, allowing timely intervention and improved developmental outcomes. Despite its clinical significance, the successful implementation of NHS programs largely depends on the awareness, attitudes, and acceptance of both parents and healthcare professionals, particularly nurses who play a pivotal role in educating families and conducting the screening process. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness, attitudes, and acceptance of newborn hearing screening among parents and nurses in a private healthcare setting.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving parents of newborns and nursing staff working in maternity and neonatal units. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that evaluated participants' knowledge of hearing loss, understanding of newborn hearing screening, perceived benefits, concerns regarding the procedure, and willingness to participate in or support screening programs. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to examine awareness levels and identify factors influencing acceptance.
The findings indicated that although a majority of nurses demonstrated adequate knowledge of newborn hearing screening and strongly supported its routine implementation, variations in awareness existed depending on professional experience and prior training. Among parents, awareness of congenital hearing loss and the importance of early screening was moderate, with many obtaining information only after childbirth. Nevertheless, parental acceptance of newborn hearing screening was high when appropriate counseling and education were provided by healthcare professionals. Common barriers included limited prior knowledge, misconceptions about hearing loss, anxiety regarding screening results, and inadequate prenatal education. Positive attitudes among nurses significantly influenced parental confidence and willingness to consent to screening.
The study concludes that enhancing educational initiatives for both parents and nursing professionals can improve awareness and strengthen the acceptance of universal newborn hearing screening. Integrating structured counseling into antenatal and postnatal care, along with regular professional training for nurses, can contribute to higher screening coverage, earlier diagnosis of hearing impairment, and timely intervention, ultimately improving long-term communication and developmental outcomes for children.
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