Mr Rudd says only 75 per cent of young children are currently routinely tested for hearing deficiencies, which he says can lead to further complications in later life.

Under the new policy, which could be in place by next year, every newborn child will be tested, and fitted with hearing aids or cochlear implants where necessary.

"At the moment, across Australia, only an average of 75 per cent of children are being tested for hearing impairments at a young age," Mr Rudd told reporters on Monday.

"We can do better than that. Within 18 months we want every newborn child in Australia to be screened for hearing impairments.

"I'll be seeking the agreement of the states and territories on this and I hope to have this policy in place by the end of 2010.

"I think we can do this and we should do this."

Mr Rudd was speaking during a visit to the Shepherd Centre for deaf and hearing-impaired children.

He was joined by Liberal backbencher Dr Brendan Nelson, who has been lobbying for greater health care provisions for deaf children.

"We want to live in a society where children are tested for hearing impairments at a young age - as soon as is possible," Dr Nelson said.

"This will make us a leading nation for children's healthcare and it will give every child the ability to live in a hearing and speaking world."

Dr Bruce Shepherd, who established the Shepherd Centre in the 1970s, added: "This is so important. It is important these children are allowed to become productive members of the community."

(by theage.com.au)

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