Q: What is an audiologist?

An audiologist is a professional who diagnoses, treats, and manages individuals with hearing loss or balance problems. For more information, please see http://www.audiology.org/about/commonq.php and
http://www.asha.org/students/professions/overview/
faq_careers.htm

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Q: What is an Otolaryngologist?

Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians. For more information, please see http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/about/otolaryngologist.cfm

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Q: How can I find an audiologist and/or an otolaryngologist?

How to locate a provider:

To locate an audiologist, visit the American Academy of Audiology website at http://www.audiology.org. On this site you will then enter information about the area where you live.

To find an otolaryngologist, you may visit The American Academy of Otolaryngology website at http://www.entnet.org/ent_otolaryngologist.cfm and search by entering a doctor’s name or a specific geographic location.

To find an Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Program, visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website at http://www.asha.org/proserv/.  On this site you will then enter information about the area where you live.

CDC supports the National Institutes of Health, the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, the Directors of Speech and Hearing Programs in State Health and Welfare Agencies and the American Academy of Pediatrics in endorsing universal newborn hearing screening before hospital discharge, diagnostic evaluation before 3 months of age, and initiation of appropriate intervention services before 6 months of age.

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Q: What are the intervention and treatment options?

Professionals are responsible for providing families with information about the full range of intervention and treatment options so that informed choices can be made. The "best" choice for each family is complex and dynamic. It may involve simultaneous (at the same time) use of several options with modifications (changes) over time as knowledge about intervention increases, the child grows and develops, and changes occur in the family system. 

CDC supports the National Institutes of Health, the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, and the American Academy of Pediatrics in endorsing universal newborn hearing screening before hospital discharge, diagnostic evaluation before 3 months of age, and initiation of appropriate intervention services before 6 months of age.

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Q: Is age a factor when determining what programs are available for hearing loss intervention?

All states provide early intervention services to the birth-to-3 population, under the (IDEA) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C (Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities). However, states vary in how they determine eligibility for services. Part C is the state program usually responsible for providing early intervention services to children with conditions such as hearing loss. Additional information, as well as contact information, can be found by visiting the following links:
(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ehdi/documents/
stateHL_contacts.pdf for a list of the State Contacts for Children Identified with Hearing Loss)
(http://www.nectac.org for a more detailed description of Part C)
(http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/testing contains information regarding age and hearing loss)

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Q: What other organizations provide intervention and family support services across America?

For a list of organizations, please see the CDC EHDI related links page http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ehdi/links.htm

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Q: Where can I find information about treatment or therapy for my child’s hearing loss?

Many deaf and hard of hearing children grow up to be successful and happy adults. The most important aspect of your child’s development is to focus on his/her ability to communicate (language and/or speech).  Because children learn speech and language best when they are very young, it is important to begin intervention as soon as possible. If your child is an infant, we suggest contacting professionals who specialize in “early intervention.” Early intervention is a service that helps children with hearing loss develop communication skills, to the best of their ability, starting at a very young age. You can find information about early intervention programs can be found in your area through an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, or a local school for the deaf. If your child is of preschool or school age (3 years of age or older), we suggest you contact your local school for the deaf and/or an audiologist or speech-language pathologist. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists can be found through hospitals, universities, and clinics.

These professionals will help you to find information about service options in your area.  There are many types of services available. Some services focus on speech or on sign language. Some focus equally on both. You can choose one type of service or a combination can be chosen. It is important to inform yourself of all the possible services available in your area and come to the decision that is most comfortable for you and your family. If you later feel your child would benefit more from another type of service, you can try another option. Discuss other options with your health care provider. 

Two important groups to use as resources when you decide on the appropriate communication program for your child, and your family, are parents of deaf and hard of hearing children as well as deaf and hard of hearing adults. You can get information on how to contact people in these groups through your local school for the deaf or through an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

For further information, see the following sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ehdi/links.htm
http://www.deafchildren.org/home/home.html
http://www.gohear.org
http://www.babyhearing.org/
http://www.handsandvoices.org
http://www.listen-up.org
http://infanthearing.org/familysupport/index.html
http://www.agbell.org/
http://www.ceasd.org/members.php

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Q: What are Cochlear Implants? How do they work? How are they different from hearing aids? Are there other, more advanced alternatives?

For information regarding this topic, please visit the following links:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ehdi/research.htm
http://www.babyhearing.org/hearingamplification/
cochlear/index.asp
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ehdi/cochlear/default.htm
 

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Sorry, we can't give you medical advice. Please talk with your doctor for questions about yourself or your family. For other information, please contact ehdi@cdc.gov 

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Date: September 1, 2006
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities