Specifically, the $4 million would fund 45-to-50 grants to:

• Develop and expand statewide universal newborn hearing screening programs;
• Link screening programs to intervention within the community service system;
• Monitor the impact of early detection and intervention on child, family and systems; and
• Provide technical assistance to states.

There is clear evidence that universal newborn hearing screening substantially lowers the age at which children with congenital permanent hearing loss are identified. Children who are identified early and receive intensive early intervention perform significantly higher on school-related tests than children who do not receive such intervention. The current average age for detecting significant hearing loss in children is 14 months.

Currently in the United States, 80 percent of infants are not screened prior to hospital discharge. Only nine states--Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia--have laws requiring hearing screening for all newborns. Even in those areas where universal newborn hearing screening is occurring, appropriate and timely diagnosis and intervention is a challenge.

In addition, new technology is available to conduct low-cost screening prior to hospital discharge. Typically, 1 percent to 3 percent of those screened require referral for diagnostic evaluation.

HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau's Division of Children with Special Health Care Needs would manage the new initiative.