§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the benefits of early diagnosis of deafness to language acquisition. [66192]
§ Mr. HuttonWe are aware that early identification and intervention is vital for normal language development, and age at identification and consequent age at which a hearing aid is fitted have become important indicators of screening and service performance.
Most health authorities screen children who are at risk of permanent hearing impairment soon after birth. We are currently considering ways in which the screening system for children with hearing impairment can be improved and extended so that more children can be identified and treated earlier in life.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to promote the early diagnosis of deafness among children. [66191]
§ Mr. HuttonA 1997 review commissioned by the health technology assessment programme suggested considering a system of universal neo-natal screening followed at seven months by a targeted screening using an infant distraction test. The National Screening Committee, through its sub-committee on child health screening, is now considering these suggestions for implementation across the National Health Service. Any proposed changes 551W to screening arrangements need to be considered very carefully to see whether they would be feasible and clinically cost effective. We do not expect the Committee to make a rushed decision on this important issue.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will implement a deafness screening programme for all children at birth. [66328]
§ Mr. HuttonThe National Screening Committee advises United Kingdom Health Ministers on all aspects of the introduction, modification or withdrawal of screening programmes. The Committee is currently considering the case for replacing the present infant distraction test with universal neonatal screening. We expect to receive advice later this year.