Four out of every 1,000 newborns are born with some degree of hearing loss.
Hearing is a critical part of a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Even the presence of a mild hearing loss can affect a child’s speech and language development.
Washington state requires newborns to have a hearing screening before being discharged from the hospital to detect hearing loss at birth. Those who have or are planning on giving birth at home or at a birthing center should make it their priority to have their child screened within the first three weeks of life.
Through early detection it is possible to treat a child’s hearing problems so that they can develop the same as their peers. The Doctors of Audiology at Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic recommend that your child’s hearing gets screened early and evaluated regularly in order to empower and better your child’s life.
Reasons Your Child Might Have and/or Develop a Hearing Loss
- Premature birth
- Complications during birth
- Infections at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), Rubella, and herpes simplex
- Placement on mechanical ventilation system after birth
- Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia or needing ECMO therapy
- Repeated courses of IV antibiotics or diuretics
- Diagnosis of a syndrome such as Down, Usher, Alport or Treacher Collins
- Family history of permanent childhood hearing loss
- Exposure to loud sounds or noises