Early Intervention Prevent Silent
Struggles
The Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services Program under National Rural Health Mission initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Government of India has included congenital deafness as one of the conditions to be included for early identification and remediation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of early hearing screening for newborns and infants as part of a broader strategy to prevent and manage hearing loss. So, it is important for all newborns to be screened for their hearing along with other screenings before baby leaves the hospital.
Essential for high risk groups
- Some babies are at high risk for hearing loss and require more frequent and specialized testing.
- Newborn with a family history of childhood hearing loss.
- Babies exposed to certain infections during pregnancy or after birth (Rubella, Meningitis, and Jaundice).
- Newborns who experienced birth complications, such as lack of oxygen or trauma.
- Newborn with some medical conditions, such as cleft palate or other craniofacial abnormalities.
Early Screening & Diagnosis:
Newborn hearing screening is a crucial test that detects hearing loss in babies shortly after birth. Early detection is Important because hearing plays a significant role in language development, social skills, and cognitive growth.
A two-stage screening protocol :
OAE as the first screen
Automated Otoacoustic Emissions (AOAE) – plays soft sounds into the baby’s ear and measures the echo.
ABR for those who fail the OAE screening
Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) – measures how the hearing nerve responds to sound.
“ These tests are painless and usually done within the first
few weeks of life” .
Infant Hearing Aids
If hearing loss is confirmed, babies as young as 1 month old can be fitted with hearing aids
- Untreated hearing loss can pose a significant delay of speech and language.
- Fitting hearing aids as early as possible and it helps the brain to receive the sound input that needs to build those crucial
language pathways
Hearing aids for newborns are specially designed devices that help infants with hearing loss access sound during the most critical period of language and brain development. These hearing aids are:
- Soft and safe for tiny ears Custom moulds for comfort
- Powerful enough to amplify sound clearly.
Why Newborns Might Need Hearing Aids?
Some babies are born with hearing loss due to genetic factors, infections during pregnancy (like CMV), or complications at
birth. In India, about 5–6 out of every 1,000 infants may have some degree of hearing impairment.
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- Hearing plays a vital role in speech, learning, and social development.
- The most important time for a child to learn language is in the first 3 years of life.
- Child with normal hearing starts to learn speech and language in the first 6 months of life.
Why Early Use Matters ?
The first three years are crucial for speech and brain development. Hearing aids help babies:
- Learn to recognize voices and sounds
- Begin babbling and forming words
- Build emotional bonds through sound
Support your baby
Even with hearing aids, your interaction is key. Talk, sing, and respond to your baby often.
Types of Newborn Hearing Tests We Offer
1. OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) Test This painless test uses a small earpiece with a microphone to send sounds into your baby’s
ear.
2. AABR (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response) This test measures how the hearing nerve and brain respond to sound. It’s completely safe and is often done while the baby is asleep
3. Diagnostic ABR If a baby doesn’t pass the initial screening, we offer a more detailed version of the AABR.
4. Tympanometry (Middle Ear Testing) This test helps to detect fluid, infection, or other middle ear problems that might
affect hearing.
At Times Health Care we understand the significance of early intervention for new born hearing loss. Our clinic offers comprehensive newborn hearing screening services. If hearing loss is detected early, our experienced audiologist works closely with family to provide:
- Early detection of hearing loss
- Personalized hearing aid fitting services
- Speech Therapy – ensuring speech and language development of a child
“A complete care for new born ear, under one
roof.’’
