The aim of my thesis is to summarize all the information regarding newborn and infant hearing screening programmes, to find out about the awareness of mothers-to-be and to give account on the possibilites of the further professional development of the infant hearing screening. The theoretical part consists of the definitions of terminology relating to this topic, the historical development of the hearing screening and the latest findings and current level of knowledge of the issue both in the Czech Republic and abroad. The practical part of my master's thesis aspires to detect the awareness of expecting mothers and non-professionals through a questionnaire survey. Apart from the results of the survey the practical part also contains an interview with a specialist. Besides the research analysis, I have also focused on informing the target group about the prospects and significance of the newborn and infant hearing screening tests as this is a current issue now. KEYWORDS: Newborn Otoacoustic emissions Hearing screening Hearing loss Early detection

Newborn hearing screening in the Czech Republic Abstract The aim of this diploma thesis is to summarize the important and actual information about a newborn hearing screening and its related topics. The theoretical part of this thesis contains the contemporary knowledge of the issue, the definition of terms for a comprehensive setting of issue in the context, illustrates the current state of knowledge of the issue in the Czech Republic in the comparison to some European and world countries and reveals some more directly and inextricably related topics. The practical part is based on the knowledge of the theoretical part. The practical part focuses on identification of the level of awareness of newborn hearing screening among pregnant women, which was investigated by a questionnaire. This part also analyzes, evaluates and discusses the results and suggestions for practice. The task of the practical part was not only to identify the research data, but also to provide information to expectant mothers about the possibilities and significance of the newborn hearing screening by appropriate form, as this topic is very current for the general public. Key words: early care early diagnosis hearing impairment newborn hearing screening otoacoustic emissions rehabilitation of hearing impairment