Iran Joins Global Effort: 7 Countries Launch Newborn Hearing Screening Programs

Iran’s Newborn Hearing Screening Program is making significant strides in addressing hearing impairments among infants. In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Iran stands out as one of the seven countries globally executing a comprehensive newborn hearing screening program (NHSP). The Welfare Organization has reported that it currently supports approximately 227,000 individuals with hearing disabilities, focusing on early detection and intervention.

According to Zahra Noparast, an official from the Welfare Organization, around 170,000 of these individuals are categorized as experiencing moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss. The organization provides an extensive array of services tailored to the severity of the hearing issues, which includes:

• Financial assistance for nursing care
• Provision of hearing aids
• Rehabilitation services
• Hearing screenings
• Genetic counseling to mitigate the risk of newborn deafness

Noparast’s statements come during the International Week of Deaf People, celebrated from September 22 to 28. She emphasized the urgency of conducting hearing screenings within the first three months of a baby’s life. Early identification is crucial; children who do not receive intervention before they are six months old risk losing their ability to speak.

In Iran, there are currently 99 hearing impairment centers and 28 integrated centers offering critical services such as:

• Hearing aid prescriptions
• Cochlear implants
• Educational counseling
• Rehabilitation services including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling

The Welfare Organization also contributes financially, covering 50 million rials (approximately 50 dollars) per child for rehabilitation services, while families contribute less than ten million rials (around 10 dollars). Currently, 55,523 individuals are benefiting from these essential services, which not only provide direct support to children but also educate families on effective communication strategies to create a nurturing environment.

Supported by the Welfare Organization, the Ministry of Health offers cochlear implants at no cost for children under the age of six. In the past Iranian calendar year (March 2024 – March 2025), the organization provided over 94,000 services, with a primary focus on delivering hearing aids to 80,300 individuals. Additionally, 3,050 children received cochlear implants, as stated by Noparast.

Globally, hearing impairment is increasing, particularly among younger demographics due to factors such as:

• Excessive use of headphones
• Exposure to loud environments
• Noisy workplaces

Age-related hearing loss is also prevalent as individuals grow older. Therefore, raising public awareness about prevention strategies is crucial in combating this issue.

The NHSP was initiated in the Iranian year 1384 (2005-2006) with the objective of diagnosing hearing impairments within the first month of life. This proactive approach enables affected children to receive necessary interventions before they reach six months of age. Currently, approximately 95 percent of newborns are screened, leading to the identification of over 50,000 infants with hearing impairments via more than 700 stationary and mobile screening units. The involvement of non-governmental sectors has significantly contributed to this effort, reducing the average age for identifying hearing loss from three years to just 1 to 1.5 years.

In April, Jafar Jandaqi, a representative from the Ministry of Health, discussed the importance of early detection and intervention in treating hearing loss. He stated, “Hearing impediments can be effectively managed through timely detection and early intervention strategies, including the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants.”

Jandaqi also highlighted Iran’s commitment to sharing its expertise and technological advancements in hearing loss treatment with other nations. He noted that over 50 percent of hearing loss in adults and 60 percent in children can be prevented through effective healthcare measures.

The International Week of Deaf People is being celebrated under the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.” Each day during this week focuses on different themes, such as:

• September 22: Deaf communities leading
• September 23: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights
• September 24: Multilingual education for deaf learners
• September 25: Deaf Rights in Crises
• September 26: Recognition of National Sign Language
• September 27: Sign Language Access services
• September 28: Set the basis for the future: together we can innovate, inspire, and impact!

The ongoing initiatives and programs in Iran not only benefit those with hearing impairments but also foster a supportive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.