Last Updated: 1/15/10
Guatemala
- Population (mid-2008)(1): 13.7 Million
- Annual # of births (2007)(2): 449,000
- Institutional births (2000/7)(2): 42%
- GNI PPP per Capita (US$) 2007(1): 4,120
- Infant Mortality rate(1): 34
- Newborn Hearing Screening Program: One Program
- Screened (2005): 890 children until 6 years old
- Not Passed: 132
- Audiological Evaluation: 60
- Hearing Loss ID: 30
- Average Age of Identification: 3 years
Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Contact:
Email Patricia Castellanos de MuñozCEDAF / Comité Pro ciegos y sordos de Guatemala
NHS Legislation:
Guatemala does not currently have legislation requiring NHS.
UNHS Program Information:
In 2004, high risk/targeted NHS was implemented in one hospital in the capital city, and in 2008 a second site was established. These NHS programs were started with donated OAE equipment and with plans to expand screening programs as additional (donated) equipment became available and hospitals agreed to participate. The screening is offered at no charge to all children that show up for vaccination and development and growth assessments.
Children not passing the screening are referred to the Hospital Rodolfo Robles, where they receive ABR and Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) tests. The age of identification for hearing loss averages three years across the country. Hearing aids are available to children less than 5 years of age who have access to social security services, and to children whose families can afford to purchase them. No insurance in Guatemala covers hearing aids. Cochlear implants are not common.
