Southeastern Virginia Society for the Deaf
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THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS
Approximately 1 of every 1,000 infants is born deaf while 6 of every 1,000 are born with some degree of hearing loss. Permanent hearing loss at birth annually affects 24,000 infants in the USA; that is, 6 infants per 1,000 will have a hearing loss in at least one ear that will affect communication, cognition, and educational development. In March 1993, the National Institute of Health's 15 member non-Federal panel developed a consensus statement, which recommended that all newborns be screened for hearing loss before being discharged from the hospital. They further cautioned that 20 to 30 percent of hearing loss in children occurs during infancy and early childhood. Consequently, the panel recommended a continuance of hearing screening at intervals throughout early childhood.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommended that a hearing screening be done on every baby shortly after birth. Hearing loss occurs in newborn infants more frequently (6 in 1,000 births) than any other health condition for which newborn screening is already required throughout the U.S. Currently, 38 states plus the District of Columbia perform universal infant screening at birthing centers, 4 states have voluntary screening, and 8 states have no legislation requiring newborn hearing screening.
With the advent of newborn hearing screening, congenital hearing loss is being identified in children prior to 3 months of age! This is a huge difference from the mid to late 1990’s when the average age of identification in the United States was 2 1/2 to 3 years, well past the critical period for speech and language development. Hence, the importance of early childhood development is even more critical for a child with a hearing loss. Early diagnosis and intervention can mean the difference between toddlers entering school with severe language and concept delays versus children with age appropriate language and concept development. We all want our children to get off to a good start. Early hearing screening paves the way for children to be able to begin life on an equal footing with their hearing peers. Recent research indicates that children whose hearing losses are identified in the first 6 months of life, and who received intervention services, developed language within the normal range
Early Intervention services provide families with the information and support they need to maximize their child's overall development. Early Intervention services from qualified experienced professionals can help you understand your child's deafness. You will learn about your child's strengths and needs and ways to help your child develop. You will discover that you and your family play an important role in your child's development. You are your child's teacher. You are the "expert" on your child. The choices you make will be yours and they will be made with confidence because they will be informed decisions.
Contact one of the locations below and tell them you are looking for a Deaf educator; ask for Kathie Sullivan, she has a Masters Degree in Deaf Education and is a RID certified interpreter; she works specifically with deaf children and their families. Parents must first contact one of the names below, but once the intial contact is made, they can specifically ask for Katie Sullivan.
Program Supervisor: Jennifer McElwee
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Program Supervisor: Rosalind Cutchins rcutchins@thechildrenscenter.cc