Department of Health

Key messages

  • The Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program screens all newborn infants statewide.
  • The Royal Children’s Hospital is funded to deliver the 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 and Human Services 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 08 October 2015

Health.vic

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