Early Hearing, Detection and Intervention

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Filipino Audio Version

RA9709 - Early Hearing, Detection and Intervention

This law provides mandatory hearing loss screening to infants in order to promote the early diagnosis and intervention of hearing loss and prevent language delays caused by the late detection. The RA9709, titled “Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Act of 2009,” is the current legislation that has provisions for UNHS in the Philippines.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy.

This section recognizes that DHH children deserve language access from a young age, and the purpose of this policy will be the first step to enforce that.

Section 3. Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program.

This section defines the provisions for hearing screening and follow up for all infants.

Section 5. Obligation to Inform.

This section requires all healthcare professionals who are a part of newborn delivery to inform parents about the necessity of hearing screenings.

Section 6. Obligation to Perform Newborn Hearing Loss Screening and Audiologic Diagnostic Evaluation.

This section requires all infants to be screened before 3 months old, and that the responsibility for testing falls on the child’s parents and healthcare professionals.

Section 7. Refusal to be Tested.

This section allows religious or cultural exceptions for hearing screening, but a waiver must be signed.

Section 8. Continuous Education, Re-Education and Training.

This section requires government agencies to provide information and training about hearing screening to healthcare professionals.

Section 11. Establishment of Newborn Hearing Screening Center.

This section requires the establishment of specific centers for hearing screenings, referrals, and follow-up appointments.

Section 12. Data Management and Applied Research.

This section requires periodical submission of screening test data and long-term plans made for each child.

Section 14. Newborn Screening Fees.

This section requires that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) include the cost of newborn hearing screening in its costs.

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