Objectives Newborn hearing screening (NHS) varies regarding number and type of tests,
location, age, professionals and funding. We compared the provision of existing screening
programmes. Design A questionnaire containing nine domains: demography, administration,
existing screening, coverage, tests, diagnosis, treatment, cost and adverse effects,
was presented to hearing screening experts. Responses were verified. Clusters were
identified based on number of screening steps and use of OAE or aABR, either for all
infants or for well and high-risk infants (dual-protocol). Study sample Fifty-two
experts completed the questionnaire sufficiently: 40 European countries, Russia, Malawi,
Rwanda, India and China. Results It took considerable effort to find experts for all
countries with sufficient time and knowledge. Data essential for evaluation are often
not collected. Infants are first screened in maternity wards in most countries. Human
development index and health expenditure were high among countries with dual protocols,
three screening steps, including aABR, and low among countries without NHS and countries
using OAE for all infants. Nationwide implementation of NHS took 6 years, on average.
Conclusion The extent and complexity of NHS programmes are primarily related to health
expenditure and HDI. Data collection should be improved to facilitate comparison of
NHS programmes across borders.
