Have You Heard?
Early Hearing Detection
and
Intervention Program
Four good reasons you should have your baby's hearing tested:
1 Approximately three out of every 1,000 babies are born each year with hearing loss.
3 Infant hearing screening is safe.
More than half of babies born with hearing problems are otherwise healthy and have no family history of hearing loss.
If your baby has a hearing loss, you can still help your baby develop language skills. The sooner you act, the better the outcome.
Screening for hearing loss as early as possible is important to your baby because:
Early screening allows for early treatment, if hearing loss is detected
There are two types of hearing screening for infants:
Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) tests the baby's ability to hear soft sounds through earphones. Sensors are placed on the baby's skin, which measures responses to sound at the level of the brainstem.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) measures an "echo" response to sound from the ear directly. Both tests are safe and your baby may sleep quietly through both types of hearing screenings.
2 Some babies do not pass the hearing screening.
There are many reasons why your baby may not "pass" the hearing screening. If this happens, a follow up test must be done to find out if your baby has hearing loss. It is important that you follow the recommendations given by your hospital screening staff, audiologist and/or physician. The Georgia Department of Public Health follows up with families whose babies do not pass the hearing screening.
4 Early identification and treatment is the key to success.
Language (sign and/or spoken) helps your baby's brain grow. Access and early exposure to language provide the foundation for later learning. Infants with hearing loss can develop to their full potential if they are identified early and enroll in intervention. For more information, call the Powerline at 800-822-2539.
Early Hearing Detection and
Intervention (EHDI) Care Map Georgia Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program
P
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Care Map
D
Birth
Before 1 month
Hospital-based Inpatient Screening Results
Technology:
Left ear: Right ear:
aOAE Refer (a) Refer (a)
aABR
Pass Pass
DATE: / /
Outpatient Screening Results (if incomplete or referred hospital screening) DATE: / /
Technology:
Left ear: Right ear:
aOAE Refer (a) Refer (a)
aABR
Pass Pass
Pediatric Diagnostic Audiology Evaluation (if referred outpatient screening) DATE: / / __
Left Ear
Normal Hearing
Hearing Loss
S
Right Ear:
Normal Hearing
Hearing Loss
Documented child and family auditory history Refer to Children 1st for early intervention program
// //
If diagnosed with hearing loss:
Medical & Otologic Evaluations -To recommend treatment and provide clearance for hearing aid fitting
//
Hearing aid fitting and monitoring by a Pediatric Audiologist -If needed, including information on loaner hearing aids
//
Before 3 months
Enrollment in hearing intervention program
DATE: / /
Medical Evaluations to determine etiology and identify related conditions Ophthalmologic (annually) Genetic Developmental pediatrics, neurology, cardiology, and nephrology (as needed)
// // //
Ongoing Pediatric Audiologic Services
Before 6 months
The Georgia Department of Public Health follows up with families whose babies do not pass the hearing screening.
oOAE = Automated Otoacoustic Emissions aABR = Automated Auditory Brainstem Response
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM), Utah State UniversityTM.
Language
Milestones for
Your Baby:
Around two months of age:
Startle to a sound Quiet to a familiar voice Make vowel sounds like "ohh" and "ahh"
Around four months of age:
Looks for sounds with eyes Start babbling Use a variety of voice sounds such as
squeals, whimpers, and chuckles
Around six months of age:
Turn head towards sound Begins to imitate speech sounds Babbles ("ba-ba," "ma-ma," "da-da")
Around nine months of age:
Imitate speech sounds Understands "no-no" or "bye-bye" Turns head towards soft sounds
Risk Factors
There are many risk factors for hearing loss. Risk factors include prematurity, time spent in the special care nursery, family history of hearing loss, certain illnesses and ear infections.
Hearing loss can happen at any age; therefore, repeat testing may be necessary.
If you have concerns about your baby's hearing or language development, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
If your baby does not have a doctor, call your local health department or the Powerline for a referral at: 800-822-2539.
Website: dph.georgia.gov/EHDI
Around twelve months of age:
Correctly use "ma-ma" or "da-da" Hand over toy when asked Respond to singing or music Locate sound at all levels
Georgia Department of Public Health, Maternal & Child Health Section
2 Peachtree St., NW | Atlanta, GA 30303