Physician Information Arkansas Department of Health

Physician Information

Hearing loss is one of the most common congenital disorders. The CDC reports, 90% of infants born with hearing loss have two hearing parents. Ensure your patient’s care is right on time by coordinating care that is family centered and ensures services are provided allowing the child to achieve their maximum potential.

Hearing screening no later than one month of age.
- Review results and risk factors. Schedule diagnostic audiologic evaluations if the baby does not pass the hearing screening.
Diagnostic audiologic evaluation no later than three months of age.
- If a diagnosis is confirmed, provide appropriate medical referrals, provide information about communication options and refer to early intervention services.
Early intervention services no later than six months of age.
- Services beginning no later than six months of age provide improved communication outcomes. Communicate with family about ongoing audiology services.

The CDC data suggests we need to improve:

Between the years of 2005-2012 over 34,000 infants were identified with hearing loss.
1 to 3 of every 1,000 newborns has confirmed hearing loss.
There has been an increase in the percentage of infants who receive newborn hearing screening. In 1999, 46.5% of infants were screened and in 2011, over 97% of infants received newborn hearing screening.
Only 86.0% of infants received hearing re-screening before 1 month of age.
Only 69.1% of infants who do not pass a hearing screening test are diagnosed with hearing loss before 3 months of age.
Of those diagnosed, only 67.1% receive intervention before 6 months of age.
Almost 36 percent of infants who do not pass a newborn hearing screening are considered Lost to
Follow-up/Documentation.

The 1-3-6 Newborn Hearing Screening Checklist was developed to help you and the parent make assure timely intervention.