UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s Hospital will screen newborns for hearing loss using new equipment funded by a $25,501.45 grant from Variety–the Children’s Charity.
According to a release, the grant allows St. Luke’s Foundation to purchase a MAICO Easyscreen ABR Screener with Bearphone and EarCup Adapter, replacing older equipment.
The device uses Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) technology to identify two types of hearing loss in newborns: Cochlear Hearing Loss, stemming from structural damage, and Auditory Neuropathy, related to nerve damage.
Early screening is also crucial for detecting conditions such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV), which, if untreated, can lead to long-term issues like hearing loss and developmental delays.
All newborns at St. Luke’s, which handled 2,276 deliveries in 2023, will be screened with the new device.
“Hearing screenings are essential for identifying issues early, which can make a significant difference in a child’s development,” said Kathie Manderscheid, Women and Children’s Services director. “We are deeply grateful to Variety – the Children’s Charity for their generous support in helping us provide the highest standard of care to every baby born at St. Luke’s.”
The MAICO Easyscreen ABR Screener offers a non-invasive method to assess newborn hearing, enabling early diagnosis and intervention. Detecting hearing loss or conditions like Cytomegalovirus (CMV) at birth is critical to ensuring infants receive timely support, which can significantly impact their developmental outcomes.
