May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) aims to raise awareness about the importance of newborn hearing tests and language development milestones in children.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) is crucial for preventing language learning delays in children. Language learning begins as early as two months old, making it essential for every newborn to undergo a hearing test before reaching one month of age.
Statistics indicate that one in 500 babies is diagnosed with Deafness/Hearing Difficulty (DHH), with 90% born to hearing parents. In 2023, 94% of infants born in Arkansas received a hearing test by one month old. Among these, 348 infants did not pass the newborn hearing screening. Thirty-seven were diagnosed with a permanent hearing issue, while 215 lack documentation of diagnosis and are potentially at risk for auditory problems that could delay language development.
Parents should select a doctor for their baby before birth. Before leaving the hospital, ensure a qualified professional conducts a hearing exam. If the child does not pass the test, they should receive further testing by a pediatric audiologist before three months old to minimize language delay risks.
The Infant Hearing Program coordinates the EHDI care system statewide to ensure children with DHH are identified through newborn screenings, receive timely diagnoses, and enroll in appropriate interventions promptly to optimize language development. For assistance locating a hearing test provider nearby, contact the Infant Hearing Program at 501-280-4740 or visit www.arhealthyhearing.com.
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