Last Updated: 7/8/10
Mexico
- Population (mid-2008)(1): 107.7 Million
- Annual # of births (2007)(2): 2,088,000
- Institutional births (2000/7)(2): 86%
- GNI PPP per Capita (US$) 2007(1): 12,580
- Infant Mortality rate(1): 19
- Newborn Hearing Screening Program: One Program
- Screened (2006): 2,237
- Not Passed: 6
- Audiological Evaluation: 6
- Hearing Loss ID: 6
- Average Age of Identification: 42 months
Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Contact:
Dr. Pedro Berruecos, Presidente de la Sociedad Panamericana de Audiología (PASA)General Hospital in Mexico (HGM)
Address: Dr. Balmis 184, Col. Doctores, 06726, México D.F.
Phone #: +(52-55) 5004-3806
Phone #: +52-55 5999-6133 ext. 1016
Email Pedro Berruecos
NHS Legislation:
In February 2005 a national law requiring UNHS and audiological evaluation was passed.
UNHS Program Information:
The General Hospital of Mexico (Hospital General de México (HGM)) in México City implemented a targeted NHS program in August 2003 and in July 2007 the program was expanded to include all newborns. Some NHS programs have been implemented in a few public and private hospitals around the country as well (Yee-Arellano, 2006). When a baby does not pass the initial screening a re-screening is provided before the baby leaves the hospital. As part of this effort HGM has a manual describing the responsibilities of those involved with the NHS program to make sure babies are not discharged before being screened. This program is coordinated through the audiology service department at HGM.
When a child is identified with a hearing loss, the services available include hearing aids, speech-language therapy, genetic services, cochlear implants and family education. The services are paid for by the government, non-profit organizations and the family. With the implementation of the government sponsored popular insurance plan in Mexico (Universal Insurance for a New Generation) it is expected that access to screening, diagnostic and specialized therapy services will be improved. Through the Ministry of Health and under the coordination of the Audiology Department of the HGM, 520 professionals at 265 hospitals in 29 out of the 32 states in the country have been trained to start screening babies in 2009. Moreover, funds have been allocated to provide hearing screening equipment to 300 entities. A national database will eventually also be implemented to assist with follow up activities.
Articles Published:
- Yee-Arellano, H. M. (2006). Universal newborn hearing screening in Mexico: Results of the first 2 years. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 70(11), 1863-1870.
Educational Materials:
Other Resources:
- Programa de Accion Especifico 1007-2012 Tamiz auditivo neonatal e intervención temprana (PDF)
- Fundación Venga y Oiga
