According to WHO in 2017, 5% of the world’s population or 360 million people has disabling hearing loss. Of these, 32 million (9%) are children. Hearing Loss is one of the most common disabilities among newborns. In the Philippines (Bulacan, 2004) 1 per 724 babies (0.14% or 8 babies) born daily would have hearing loss.

Hearing is necessary in speech development and mental growth. Early detection of hearing loss and intervention is crucial in addressing this disability.

In 2009, Republic Act 9709 or the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Act was signed into law.