A PROGRAMME for testing the hearing of newly-born babies is being launched by the NHS in Worcestershire.

From January 1, parents of all babies born in the area will be offered the opportunity to have their child's hearing screened within the first two or three weeks after birth.

The screening will be carried out by a health visitor at the baby's home or at a local clinic.

The process involves placing a small, soft tipped ear-piece in the outer part of the baby's ear, and playing quiet clicking sounds. The response can be recorded and analysed by the computerised screening system.

In the case of very young babies, or where clear responses are not present, a method of testing which involves stick-on sensors, detecting brain activity, can be used.

About 900 babies are born every year in the UK with a permanent hearing loss.

Identifying the problem as early as possible can help the baby with communication and social development.

Help, support, information and advice can then be given to the baby's family to help minimise the effects of hearing impairment.

An intensive training programme for staff, particularly health visitors, in Worcestershire has taken place over the last six months in preparation for the programme's introduction.