The role of the neonatal nurse in early hearing detection and intervention in South Africa

There is a lack of direct recognition of children with disabilities and the importance of early screening and identification of disability, particularly within Africa. Within the South African healthcare setting, the role of screening for disability within a neonatal or paediatric nursery could be facilitated by the nurse. Hearing loss is a disability that can be identified early through the availability of screening equipment, and for which beneficial outcomes have been associated. The diversity of roles performed by the nurse will be discussed with reference to early detection of hearing loss and concomitant intervention for children who are identified with hearing loss.