Last Updated: 1/15/10
Costa Rica
- Population (mid-2008)(1): 4.5 Million
- Annual # of births (2007)(2): 80,000
- Institutional births (2000/7)(2): 94%
- GNI PPP per Capita (US$) 2007(1): 8,340
- Infant Mortality rate(1): 9.7
- Newborn Hearing Screening Program:
- Screened: N/A
- Not Passed: N/A
- Audiological Evaluation: N/A
- Hearing Loss ID: N/A
- Average Age of Identification: N/A
Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Contact:
Email Sebastian MalekNHS Legislation:
There is not legislation
UNHS Program Information:
In cooperation with the Costa Rican Social Security Administration, the Ministry of Health, the U.S National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM), and the University of Fontbone, Costa Rica is working toward implementing an EHDI program (Detección e Intervención Temprana de la Sordera (DITS)). The primary goal of this program is to establish UNHS in all hospitals and birthing centers throughout Costa Rica. Currently, a pilot hearing screening program is being planned for five major birthing hospitals in the city of San José. In 2007, a non-governmental organization (Asociación para la Detección e Intervención de la Sordera or A.D.I.S) was created to assist in the planning and development of the program, which includes having an educational center specializing in auditory-verbal or oral communication, and training (Muñoz, Malek, Cooper, & Shisler, 2007). This organization is currently identifying funds to create this center and also provide scholarships for students seeking an AuD or Masters in Deaf Education. In 2008, the proposal for NHS was officially accepted by the Costa Rican Social Security Administration, and they are now in the budget approval phase. It can reportedly take several months after budget approval before funds are available to purchase hearing screening equipment.
Articles Published:
- Muñoz, K., Malek, S., Cooper, L., & Shisler, S. (2007). Costa Rica and the United States Collaborate on EDHI Initiative. Volta Voices 14(6), 22-25. (PDF) Retrieved March 3, 2009.
