HLAA Webinar: Catching Kids Before They Fall: Pediatric Late Onset Hearing Loss Awareness

In the United States, nearly 98% of newborns are screened for hearing loss. While the newborn hearing screening program is aimed at identifying hearing loss at the time of birth, sometimes the change in hearing status happens later. In fact, incidence of permanent hearing loss doubles between birth and school age. Too often young children with postnatal hearing loss fall through the cracks. They go unidentified for months or years — leading to speech, language and other developmental delays and social, emotional and academic struggles. The pediatric Late Onset Hearing Loss Awareness Campaign aims to shine a spotlight on a segment of children who are at risk of falling through the cracks. By increasing community awareness of the true prevalence, risk factors and common signs of childhood hearing loss, families can be encouraged to seek a pediatric hearing evaluation and can be more promptly connected to services and supports if hearing loss is confirmed.