Newborn Hearing Screening—Polish Experience: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening (UNHS) program is crucial for the early detection and treatment of hearing impairment in newborns. Poland has successfully implemented a nationwide UNHS program, adhering to international standards. Research indicates that hearing loss affects approximately 2–4 per 1000 infants, with sensorineural hearing loss being the most prevalent. Major risk factors include genetic alterations, craniofacial anomalies, prematurity, hyperbilirubinemia, and congenital infections such as cytomegalovirus. Despite the program’s success, challenges related to limited parental awareness and disparities in access highlight the need for continuous improvement in screening and follow-up procedures. Additionally, gene therapy is emerging as a promising treatment for hearing loss. While still experimental, gene therapy could become a key complementary treatment option in the future, offering new hope for those with hearing impairments.