영유아 건강검진을 시행한 보호자들의 신생아 및 영유아 난청 국가 지원 정책에 대한 인지도 분석

Abstract

Background and Objectives It is well recognized that early detection and intervention aremost important for the prevention of neonatal hearing loss. The national support policy in Koreafor newborn hearing screening has been changed since October 2018; however, parentawareness of the change still needs to be increased. This study investigated how well parents,who have underwent national infant checkups of their children, were aware of the Korean nationalpolicy for neonatal and infant hearing loss in parents. Subjects and Method A survey of neonatal hearing tests and national support policies conductedfor 353 parents was analyzed. The survey included questions about parent awarenessof the neonatal hearing screening test period, confirmatory test period, national support forthese expenses, and hearing aid support. Also evaluated were the necessity of national guidanceand management system for neonatal hearing. Results The test time of neonatal hearing screening was correctly recognized by 82.2% ofthe parents. The percentage increased after the national insurance coverage started in October2018 in Korea, and the rate was higher for parents who visited an otolaryngology clinic ratherthan a pediatric clinic. The test time of the confirmatory test was correctly recognized only by20.4%. National support policy for neonatal hearing screening tests, confirmatory hearing tests,and hearing aids were acknowledged by 50.7%, 43.1%, and 56.1% of the parents, respectively. Conclusion These results indicate the necessity of efforts to increase the awareness of neonatalhearing tests and relevant support policies in Korea to ultimately achieve early hearingdetection and intervention of neonates and infants in Korea.