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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Pamela Costa, MA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS F-15, Chamblee, GA 30341, 770-488-7198, PCosta@cdc.gov and June Holstrum, Phd, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA 30341.
Objective: With the advent of new screening technologies, states are moving to implement universal newborn hearing screening. Screening is the first step in the early identification of hearing loss. Without further diagnostic evaluation and intervention, the benefits of newborn screening are not realized. Hearing loss affects an estimated 12,000 births. CDC, together with HRSA, NIH, and numerous private agencies are collaborating to support states in implementing a comprehensive EHDI system. Methods: Numerous and diverse activities have been initiated to support the development and implementation of EHDI systems. Specific activities have addressed a wide range of issues, including surveillance and tracking, data, research, linking to the medical home, family issues, parent-to-parent support, and services. More work is still needed, as not all newborns are screened, and for those not passing, evaluated. States continue to face challenges in system development and maintenance. Results: Significant progress has been made in screening newborns, and there has been some progress towards identification and intervention. Whereas in 1990, only 3 hospitals were conducting UNHS, that same figure is now over 2000. 35 states have legislation addressing UNHS, some of which also include insurance coverage and services. In areas where EHDI systems have been fully implemented, the age of identification of infants and children with hearing loss has dropped from an average of 2 to 3 years to 2 to 3 months. CDC, along with its partners, is continually evaluating the status of EHDI, working to ensure early identification and intervention. Conclusions: Unidentified hearing loss impacts a child’s speech and communication, which can result in long-term adverse outcomes. Federal, state, and private partnerships have supported development and implementation of comprehensive EHDI systems. With early identification, there are endless opportunities for improved communication.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives
Keywords: Child Health,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.