Detecting Hearing Loss
in Newborns
Can Improve Outcomes
Information supplied by Waukesha Memorial Hospital
Hearing impairment is the most common of all birth defects, occurring in six of every 1,000 newborns. Unless treated properly, a hearing deficit can adversely affect speech comprehension, academic achievement, and emotional, language and social development.
But while detection during the first three months is critical to improving long-range outcomes, U.S. children with hearing deficits typically are not identified until 24 to 30 months of age.
In February, Waukesha Memorial Hospital (WMH) became one of the few hospitals statewide to give all newborns comprehensive audiologic evaluations. "This is an easy test with big benefits for our children," says Brian Yagoda, MD, head of the division of pediatrics at WMH. "The earlier that hearing deficits can be identified and intervention begun, the better the prognosis for the child."
During the simple and painless three minute test, the baby is presented with soft sounds through earphones. Electrodes placed on the baby's head pick up the brain's responses, which are sent to a computer for analysis.
"The first three years of life are the most important for speech and language development," according to Sharon Nelson, RN, a neonatal nurse practitioner with WMH. "We find that the whole family suffers when these problems go undetected. The goal is to minimize or prevent these effects."
Information supplied by Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Back to Experts' Advice
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