UNIVERSAL NEWBORN HEARING SCREENING IN ITALY

The aim of this paper is to provide data on the degree of implementation and coverage of UNHS in Italy. Data were collected through a Questionnaire that was sent to all Birthing Hospitals active in Italy in 2006. Results revealed a quick diffusion of UNHS in Italy from 29.3% in 2003 to 48.4% in 2006. The majority of UNHS programs were implemented in the North West, 79.5%, and North East, 57.2%, while there remains a limited diffusion in some areas, typically in the Islands (11.3%). Our results suggest that three conditions seem to play a crucial role in the implementation of UNHS in Italy: the size and location of the hospital, and the presence of an audiologist in the UNHS coordinating team.