Archive - Thursday, 21 March 2002


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New hearing test for new-born babies

NEW-BORN babies are being offered a new electronic hearing test at Cirencester Health Clinic.

Alfie Chambers of Cirencester was the first baby to be tested in the new scheme and he was given a teddy bear as his reward.

Health visitors administer the new electronic method which is more accurate than the standard distraction test which is carried out at seven months.

Testing new-born babies gives more vital time if hearing problems are found.

It involves putting a rubber probe gently inside the baby's ear and is completely harmless and painless. Most babies sleep right through the procedure.

The test works by sending a sound signal into the ear which echoes back if the cochlea in the inner ear is working correctly.

Pic: Kate Lamb, right, with fellow health visitors Liz Morralley, left and Pauline Willis, second from right, with Sue Chambers and son Alfie who was the first baby to have a new hearing test at Cirencester Community Health Centre WGRP0263H02