A support system for hearing impaired children in Ishikawa Prefecture

• Published in: Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Japan Vol. 39; no. 3; pp. 327 - 332
• Main Authors: Hatano, Miyako, Takei, Wataru, Yoshizaki, Tomokazu, Sugimoto, Hisashi, Ito, Makoto, Nagai, Risa, Hirose, Mizuki, Takiguchi, Tetsuya, Yasuda, Kenji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Society for Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology 2018; 日本小児耳鼻咽喉科学会
• Subjects: follow-up system; newborn hearing screening; speech therapy; 新生児聴覚スクリーニング検査; 言語療育; 難聴児支援
• ISSN: 0919-5858; 2186-5957
• DOI: 10.11374/shonijibi.39.327

In Ishikawa Prefecture, more than 90 percent of newborns receive newborn hearing screening (NHS), and it contributes to early detection of hearing loss. However, no solid follow-up system after NHS existed until the 「Support Center for Hearing Impaired Children in Ishikawa」 was established in 2010. In this center, families of hearing impaired children can receive a basic explanation about hearing loss and hearing aids, and this center can introduce a rehabilitation center to them. Since 2010, this center has received 60 children. In this study, we analyze the details of NHS and the follow-up system and discuss the problems related to treatment and education provided for infants with hearing loss living in Ishikawa prefecture. Future issues include: 1. The percentage of referral is high in NHS. Reducing false positive is an issue to resolve. 2, The activities of the 「Support Center for Hearing Impaired Children in Ishikawa」 are all volunteer. It is expected that the 「Support Center for Hearing Impaired Children in Ishikawa」 will become a public institution.