A NEW hi-tech device means all babies born in Bolton will be screened to check their hearing within hours of birth.

Bolton Primary Care Trust is among the first in the country to offer the screening programme.

The test, using revolutionary new audio equipment, is described as safe, gentle and baby friendly. It can be carried out at the bedside, even if the baby is asleep.

Medical staff conducting the test use a small, soft-tipped earpiece which plays gentle, clicking sounds to the child.

If the baby picks up the sound, the cochlea -- the inner ear -- will emit a faint but recordable signal which can be analysed by a computer.

Audiologist Valerie Walmsley said: "Identifying a hearing impairment as early as possible can help the baby with communication and social development from a very early age. Help, support, information and advice can be given to the baby's family."

Previously, children were not tested for possible hearing problems until the age of eight months.

Initial tests will be carried out at the Princess Anne Maternity Unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Any babies requiring further testing will be seen at the Halliwell Children's Centre.