Key messages
- The Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program screens the hearing of newborn babies in their first weeks of life.
- Early detection and intervention improves outcomes for babies with hearing loss.
- The Royal Children’s Hospital is funded to deliver the statewide program in all public and private maternity services.
The Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program (VIHSP) is a statewide program that screens the hearing of all newborn infants in the first weeks of life. VIHSP is available in all public and private maternity services across Victoria.
Screening newborns for hearing loss means that parents or guardians can get the best advice and support as soon as possible. Early intervention is critical to help children with hearing impairments to realise their full potential for language, academic and social development.
Royal Children's Hospital delivers the program
The Department of Health funds The Royal Children’s Hospital to deliver the screening program statewide. Further information can be obtained from The Royal Children's Hospital website.
Reviewed 30 March 2026
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