Newborn Hearing Screening
by jmmillerThe negative effects of hearing impairment such as impaired speech, social, and emotional skills can be minimized if the problem is identified early, and if appropriate intervention programs are introduced. It is very important that your child be tested for hearing loss as early in life as possible; preferably no later than six months of age.
Newborn hearing loss is one of the most common congenital anomalies, occurring in between two to four of every one thousand babies. There are certain risk factors that can alert doctors to possible hearing impairment, but about half of the infants identified as having hearing loss exhibit no signs of increased risk. That’s why it is vital to have your newborn tested.
The screening process used to test newborns for hearing loss is totally safe, but it cannot always identify a newborn who is hearing impaired. In fact, the test misses almost 50% of all children with hearing loss. Therefore, it is important to also pay attention to risk factors.
These include:
· Some postnatal infections including meningitis
· Head trauma
· Parental or caregiver concerns about delays in development of hearing, speech, or language
· A family history of permanent childhood hearing loss
· Certain disorders and syndromes (ask your doctor for more information)
If a child is identified as having hearing loss at or before six months of age, and an intervention program is implemented, the child will likely be able to develop normal speech and language, just like his or her peers. It’s important to identify children with hearing loss as early in life as possible.
If your child is identified as having hearing loss, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Your child, if treated properly, will develop normally. Technology and knowledge in this area is quite developed – children under the age of three months can be fitted with, as well as benefit from, hearing and amplification aids.
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