Serian Hospital has recently received an Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) machine through the Community Care Enrichment Programme (CCEP) to enhance its Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) programme.

According to a statement released by the Sarawak Health Department (JKNS), this contribution will significantly bolster the hospital’s capacity to perform early hearing screenings on newborns, enabling timely identification and management of any potential hearing issues.

Importance of Early Detection

JKNS emphasized that this initiative is vital, as early detection of hearing problems can prevent delays in a child’s language development and learning.

During the handover ceremony, a Training of Trainers (ToT) course and a UNHS training session were conducted for nurses and community health workers. This training aimed to ensure they are proficient in using the OAE machine and conducting screenings in compliance with national guidelines.

JKNS expressed gratitude for the support from CCEP and urged parents to ensure their newborns receive this quick and painless screening before being discharged from the hospital.

Future Plans for Expansion

Meanwhile, the president of the CCEP Foundation, Yee Poo Yoon, noted that Serian Hospital is the first facility in Sarawak to receive this essential device from the foundation.

She highlighted the crucial role of the OAE machine in early hearing screenings for identifying congenital issues and facilitating timely intervention.

“There are numerous instances where babies are diagnosed with hearing problems only at the age of two or three years,” she remarked. “By that time, even with assessments and hearing aids, it may be too late for effective intervention.”

Yee further mentioned that the foundation plans to donate similar machines to two additional hospitals in the state: Bau Hospital and Simunjan Hospital.

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