Newborn Hearing Screening Programs in District of Columbia

From WikiGenetics

All infants born in the District of Columbia are required by law to be screened at birth for hearing loss. The DC Hears program works for early detection of hearing loss and provides services for all children from birth to five years of age who have been diagnosed with hearing loss or deafness, regardless of their level of income. DC Hears provides free hearing screening and loaner amplification to all DC children in need of services. If hearing loss is not discovered early, the child could experience delays in speech, language, emotional, and educational development.

There are two tests for screening newborn hearing: OAE (otoacoustic emissions) and ABR (auditory brainstem response). A baby may be given one or both of these tests. In the OAE test, a soft rubber earpiece is placed in the baby’s ear canal to deliver a soft sound. This test measures how well the baby’s inner ear responds to sound. In the ABR test, earphones are placed over the baby’s ear canal to deliver sound. This test measures how the brain responds to sounds. Typically, testing is done when the baby is asleep and not aware of the testing. Results are available immediately after testing.

Passing the hearing screening indicates that the baby’s hearing is within the normal range at the time of the test. However, some babies with a family history of hearing loss, repeated ear infections, or serious illness may develop hearing loss later. The child’s hearing and speech should be monitored as he or she grows.

Not passing the hearing screening indicates that the baby should have a second hearing test. The second screening should occur while the baby is still in the hospital or within two weeks after leaving the hospital. If the baby does not pass the initial hearing screening, it does not mean that the baby has permanent hearing loss since most babies pass the second screening. Often babies can have fluid, blockage, or debris in the ear that clears up on its own. If further testing shows that a baby has hearing loss, an audiologist along with an ear/nose/throat specialist can best determine the next steps. Treatment will depend on the type and degree of hearing loss. If hearing loss is permanent, hearing aids or special services may be recommended. Infants can be fitted with a hearing aid as young as one month of age.

[edit] Reference

Genetic Alliance. 2007. Understanding Genetics: A Guide for Patients and Healt Care Professionals. http://www.geneticalliance.org/ws_display.asp?filter=pubs.understanding.genetics