Last Updated: 7/8/10
Puerto Rico
- Population (mid-2008)(1): 4.0 Millions
- Annual # of births (2006)(2): 50,687
- Institutional births (2000/7)(2):
- GNI PPP per Capita (US$) 2007(1):
- Infant Mortality rate(1): 9.2
- Newborn Hearing Screening Program: National Data
- Screened (2006): 37,774
- Not Passed (2006): 1,087
- Audiological Evaluation: N/A
- Hearing Loss ID: N/A
- Average Age of Identification: N/A
Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Contact:
Ileana Quiles, AuDCoordinadora del Programa de Cernimiento Auditivo Neonatal Universal (PCANU)
Email Ileana Quiles
NHS Legislation:
The program was initiated in January 2000 and become required by law in December 2003. The law requires hearing screening, referral for medical evaluation, audiological evaluation, and reporting of results to the UNHS program within the Department of Health. More about Puerto Rico's NHS Legislation
UNHS Program Information:
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and receives directives regarding health care initiatives from the U.S. government. There is currently a UNHS program (Programa de Cernimiento Auditivo Neonatal Universal or PCANU), which is in operation at all birthing hospitals. The program has a website with information for the general public.
When a baby does not pass the hearing screening, the staff from the Department of Health are responsible for making sure the baby receives follow-up testing by an audiologist. If a hearing loss is identified the services available to infants and their families include hearing aids, speech-language therapy, genetic services, cochlear implants and family education. These services are paid for by the government, families and through various medical plans.
