When the SWIS-H screening program indicates follow-up is required, a baby will be referred to a SWIS-H diagnostic audiology service in one of the following specialist paediatric hospitals or associated clinics:
Diagnostic audiology assessment provides a more complete picture of a child's hearing. An audiologist, who is a specialist in hearing, will carry out the tests.
When a hearing screening or referral recommends the need for a diagnostic audiology assessment, the child could be referred to one of the following NSW Health services:
Note that services within Local Health Districts can vary and eligibility may be dependent on the child’s age. There is also a range of non NSW Health facilities that can conduct hearing assessments including private providers.
At this time families may also be interested in obtaining information from groups or agencies established to support families and children with hearing problems. Healthcare providers may be able to recommend support groups, advocacy bodies or associations that are relevant to individual circumstances.
Hearing may not always remain the same over time.
It is important to monitor your baby or child's speech and language development as well as their responses to sound.
You may refer to the checklist in the Personal Health Record (Blue Book) or the NSW Statewide Infant Screening - Hearing (SWIS-H) Program Hearing Checklist.
If you are concerned about your child's hearing or speech and language development, please arrange to have your child's hearing tested. Your doctor can arrange for a referral to an appropriate location for testing your child's hearing.
When a hearing screening or referral recommends the need for a diagnostic audiology assessment you could be referred to diagnostic audiology at a hospital or Community Health Centre in your local area. However, Commonwealth funded and private services are also available.
At this time you may also be interested in obtaining information from groups or agencies established to provide support and information for people with hearing problems.
Healthcare providers may be able to recommend support groups, advocacy bodies or associations that are relevant to your circumstances.