Untreated childhood hearing loss can cause significant delays in speech & language development. In order to form and understand spoken messages, children need to hear speech sounds properly. In addition to speech delays, untreated childhood hearing loss can also negatively impact academic performance and social development.

The longer that a child with hearing loss goes without treatment, the worse the delays and developmental outcomes. To ensure that children with hearing loss receive diagnosis and treatment early, the universal newborn hearing screening program was created.

The newborn hearing screening program is required by law in all 50 states. Screening protocols require that all newborns be screened by 1 month of age. For children with hearing loss, the hearing loss needs to be diagnosed by 3 months of age and treated by 6 months of age for best outcomes.

Have You Heard The News?

Between the years 2000-2014, Yoshinaga-Itano and colleagues performed a longitudinal study of reading proficiency for deaf and hard of hearing children. They compared reading outcomes of 321 deaf and hard of hearing 3rd-10th grade students born before and after the universal newborn hearing screening program was implemented.

Outcomes demonstrated more deaf and hard-of-hearing students achieving proficient and advanced reading skills after the implementation of the universal newborn hearing screening. Findings suggest that early identification of hearing loss may lead to improved reading abilities.

Yoshinaga-Itano, C., Mason, C., Wiggin, M., Grosse, S., Gaffney, M., Gilley, P. (2021). Reading Proficiency Trends Following Newborn Hearing Screening Implementation. Pediatrics, 148(4):2020048702.

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That's A Fact!

Approximately 6000 babies are born with permanent hearing loss every year.

Schedule Your Child's Pediatric Assessment

Early detection is key to supporting your child's speech, language, and academic success. If you have questions about your child's hearing or need to schedule a newborn hearing screening, our expert team at Audiology Associates is here to help.

Contact us today to book an appointment and give your child the best foundation for their growth and development!