Newborn Hearing Screening
Each year in Washington State approximately 233 babies are born with hearing loss. With an incidence of up to 3 in 1000 births, hearing loss in one of the most frequently occurring birth defects.
The first two years of life are the most critical for learning speech and language, and an unidentified hearing loss can severely impact a child's ability to learn these important skills.
Because over 50% of babies born with hearing loss have no known risk factors for hearing loss, and 90% of babies with hearing loss are born to normal hearing parents, it is important to screen all newborns for hearing loss through Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programs.
Children's is working in partnership with the Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight & Hearing and the Washington State Department of Health to implement and promote comprehensive Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programs across Washington.
For more information contact Susan Norton.