Hawke's Bay Lions Clubs are trying to raise around $70,000 to buy hearing test equipment for newborns and little Ekodi road-tested the tool that will bring benefits to the Bay's babies.

The Hawke's Bay District Health Board audiologist did not even need to convince four-month-old Ekodi, who was happy to oblige for mum and the cameras.

The Lions are hoping to buy two portable testing machines before the year is out and have raised almost $50,000 so far, through street appeals and donations from clubs and members of the public.

More than 2000 babies a year will be tested for severe to profound hearing loss if the appeal is successful
Ms Poludore said if hearing loss was not detected early then babies could develop behavioural or even personality problems.

Their social and language skills could also be affected if the problem was not picked up right after the birth.

The current testing programme was limited and as a result around 50 percent of babies with hearing problems were not being identified.

The two new machines were a "very good idea" as almost all newborns would be tested just after birth at the Hawke's Bay Hospital's maternity unit, and any problem would be picked up straight away, she said.

Lions appeal convener Dianne Lawlor said just two deaf babies a year get picked up through the current regime yet about seven babies born in the Bay each year had severe to profound hearing loss.

The new equipment would pick up those cases and "really does make a difference".

She expected to raise the funds needed for the machines by Christmas, Ms Lawlor said.

By Alex Hickey