Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can affect how a child hears sounds and develops communication and language skills. Hearing loss may be present at birth or develop during early childhood. Every child with hearing loss is different and has their own strengths and needs.
Most babies in New York State have their hearing screened before leaving the hospital. If a baby does not pass the newborn hearing screening, more testing is needed to find out if the baby has hearing loss. Finding hearing loss early helps children and families get the supports and services they need as soon as possible.
Children with hearing loss may have difficulty hearing speech and other sounds. This can affect communication, language development, learning, and social interaction.
Under the New York State Early Intervention Program, permanent hearing loss is a diagnosed condition with a high probability of resulting in developmental delay. Children with permanent hearing loss receive a multidisciplinary evaluation to learn about their strengths and needs. The information from the evaluation is used to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Early Intervention services are based on each child's individual strengths and needs. Services may help children build communication and language skills and support their participation in everyday routines and activities. They also help families support their child's development.
Learn More
New York State Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program
The New York State Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program helps make sure babies receive newborn hearing screening, follow-up testing when needed, and referrals to the Early Intervention Program.
https://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/newborn_hearing_screening/
Clinical Practice Guideline: Hearing Loss
Guidance for identifying, evaluating, and providing intervention for young children with hearing loss.
A quick guide to identifying, evaluating, and providing intervention for young children with hearing loss.
