Task Force Recommends Screening for Hearing Loss in Al...( ROCKVILLE Md. July 3 -- All newb...),Health

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- All newborn infants should be screened for congenital hearing loss that is present at birth, according to a new recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The recommendation and the accompanying summary of evidence appear in the July 7 issue of Pediatrics.

Children whose hearing is impaired at birth, during infancy or in early childhood can have problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and social skills, increased behavioral problems, and lower academic achievement compared with children with normal hearing. Infants at high risk for hearing loss include those who have spent more than 2 days in a neonatal intensive care unit; those diagnosed with certain syndromes, such as Waardenburg or Usher syndrome; and those with a family history of childhood hearing loss. Because half of infants with hearing loss have no identifiable risk factors, the Task Force proposes universal screening, rather than targeted screening. Detecting and treating infants for hearing loss, rather than detecting it at a later age, provides better chances for positive outcomes such as stronger language skills.

For every 1,000 infants born in the United States, congenital hearing loss occurs in between one and three infants. Congenital hearing loss happens more frequently than other conditions typically screened for as part of a health care evaluation. Infants should be screened before they are 1 month old; those who do not pass the screening should receive further hearing and medical evaluation before they are 3 months old. Thirty-nine U.S. states have enacted legislation related to universal newborn hearing screening. Laws differ on whether screening is mandated or encouraged, how results are reported and how screening is funded.

"Screening for hearing loss should be part of every newborn infant's health care evaluation," said Task Force Chair Ned Calonge, M.D., who is also chief medical officer
'/>"/>