Daily HealthBeat Tip - September 09, 2008

Sound advice

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Debra James with HHS HealthBeat.

All newborn infants should be tested for hearing loss before they are one month old.  According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the leading independent panel of experts in prevention and primary care, children who cannot hear clearly during infancy and early childhood can develop problems with speaking, learning, social skills and behavior compared with children with normal hearing. 

Dr. Iris Mabry-Hernandez, Medical Director with the Task Force program:

``Screening for hearing loss should be part of every newborn infant’s health care evaluation.  We found good evidence that newborn screening leads to earlier detection and treatment for those with hearing loss.  This can improve their language skills, which can improve their overall development.’’ (12 seconds)

The Task Force recommends that infants who do not pass the screening at one month should receive further hearing and medical evaluation before they are 3 months old. 

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Debra James.

Last revised: September, 09 2008