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Early Detection of Hearing Loss |
Detecting hearing loss early helps prevent delays in speech and language. If parents and doctors do not discover that a baby has a hearing loss early, slow development of speech and language can occur. Before their first birthday, babies babble and understand many of the sounds spoken around them.
Research has confirmed that treatment has the best results when infant hearing loss is identified and intervention begins before a child reaches six months of age.
In
North Carolina each of the state’s 92 birthing facilities provides newborn
hearing screening services prior to discharge. Infants who do not
receive hearing screening prior to discharge, are not born in birthing
facilities, or require additional screening are referred to community resources
so that screening services can be provided within 30 days of birth. Where
needed, Division of Public Health Regional Speech and Hearing teams can conduct
the hearing screenings at local health departments at no cost to the family if
there is no community referral source or the family does not have a funding
source.
Infants with confirmed hearing loss are immediately referred to a provider that
can discuss amplification selection options with the family. The family is
also referred to a local agency that can provide early intervention services
designed to help the infant to achieve maximum functioning.
When a family has a child with a confirmed hearing loss, increasing the visual cues for their baby will help the baby to become more aware of activities occurring around her;
Gently move your hand in front of the baby to get her attention.
Point to household objects and people when they are making sound.
Use brightly colored toys with movement, texture, and varied types of noise.
Talk, laugh, sing, clap and babble while holding the baby so she can watch you.
Use natural gestures and animated expressions when interacting with her.
Keep rooms well lit when the baby is awake so he can see what is happening around him.
Avoid standing with light behind your face as the baby then can’t see expressions.
Respond to the many ways your baby tells you what she wants and feels.
Enjoy how your baby is growing and learning every day.
Reference: Proctor, R. (2002). Research to practice for deaf/hard of hearing. Alltogether Now, Vol. 8, No. 2, 6-7.