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Press Release
PEDIATRICIANS MAKE NEW RECOMMENDATIONS ON HEARING SCREENING
For Immediate Release: February 25, 1999
Below is a news release on a policy published in the February issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
CHICAGO- A new policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the development of universal newborn hearing screening programs nationwide. The policy establishes parameters to ensure that all newborns with hearing loss are identified prior to hospital discharge and that these newborns begin the care they need by 6 months of age.
“Significant hearing loss is one of the most common major abnormalities present at birth and, if undetected, will impede speech, language and cognitive development,” according to the policy. Significant loss of hearing in both ears is present in about 1 to 3 per 1,000 newborn infants in the well-baby nursery, and in about 2 to 4 per 100 infants in the intensive care unit population. Currently, the average age that hearing loss is detected is approximately 14 months of age.
The AAP policy addresses the essentials of an effective hearing screening program: initial screening, tracking and follow-up, identification, intervention and evaluation. The AAP states that these are necessary for the implementation of any hearing screening program aimed newborns with hearing loss.
The policy recommends that each AAP chapter assume a leadership role in state-based efforts to promote optimal implementation of universal newborn hearing screening programs. Effective state-wide programs will require broad-based support and collaboration to include a wide range of partners, such as professional organizations, parent advocacy groups, payers and legislators to name but a few groups involved in advocacy for the nation’s children.
The AAP has supported federal legislation that would provide states with additional money to develop infrastructure support and further research for universal newborn hearing screening.Ten states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia currently have laws related to newborn hearing screening. To date 12 states¾Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming¾are considering related bills so far this year.
“Physicians should provide recommended hearing screening, not only during early infancy but also through early childhood for those children at risk for hearing loss… and for those demonstrating clinical signs of possible loss” notes the AAP. “Regardless of the age of onset, all children with hearing loss require prompt identification and intervention by appropriate professionals with pediatric training and expertise.”
2/24/99
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 55,000
primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric
surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of
infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
© 2001 - American Academy of Pediatrics