ArticleThe South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir Kommunikasieafwykings2026
Status and gaps in newborn hearing screening in South Africa: A cross-sectoral review.
Article in The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir Kommunikasieafwykings, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundNewborn hearing screening (NHS) is recognised as a key component of early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI). In South Africa, implementation remains inconsistent across provinces and health sectors, with limited national coordination and policy support. Updated data are needed to identify progress and persisting gaps in service delivery.
objectivesTo describe the status of NHS in South Africa across public, private and non-governmental (NGO) sectors, focusing on the availability of services, equipment and personnel, and to identify barriers to implementation.
methodA cross-sectional, descriptive online survey was distributed to audiologists practising in South Africa using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture). A total of 133 audiologists participated, representing all nine provinces and the public (52%), private (40%) and NGO (6%) sectors.
resultsNewborn hearing screening services were concentrated in urban provinces, mainly Gauteng and the Western Cape. The public sector accounted for 49% of services, largely at tertiary hospitals. Equipment availability was generally high. mHealth adoption was limited (4% in public sector only). Audiologists conducted most screenings, although task-shifting to trained non-audiologists occurred in NGOs. Major barriers included limited parental awareness, poor follow-up, staff shortages, funding constraints and a lack of medical aid coverage in the private sector.
conclusionDespite progress since the 2008 baseline, when only 7.5% of public hospitals offered NHS, coverage remains uneven, with persistent geographic and resource inequities. Integrating NHS into primary healthcare, expanding task-shifting and improving public awareness are essential for equitable access.Contribution: This study provides the most recent cross-sectoral overview of NHS in South Africa, informing policy and supporting equitable EHDI scale-up aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) targets.
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