EHDI > Hearing Loss and EHDI  > Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Screening and Testing

• When should an infant be screened for hearing loss?

• What happens if an infant does not pass the hearing screening? 

• How can I find resources such as hearing screening tests in my area? 

• What does it mean to have a false positive newborn hearing screening test?

• Why don’t all infants have a diagnostic test for hearing loss? 

• What is an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test? 

• What is an Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)? 

• What is the difference between Auditory Brainstem Response testing and Behavioral Audiometry Evaluation? 

• Why is more than one screening test necessary?

Treatment and Therapy

• What is an audiologist?

• What is an Otolaryngologist?

• How can I find an audiologist and/or an otolaryngologist?

• What are the intervention and treatment options?

• Is age a factor when determining what programs are available for hearing loss intervention?

• What other organizations provide intervention and family support services across America?

• Where can I find information about treatment or therapy for my child’s hearing loss?

• What are Cochlear Implants?  How do they work?  How are they different from hearing aids?  Are there other, more advanced alternatives? 

General Information on Hearing Loss

• About how many deaf people currently live in the United States and where can I find information about the statistics in my area?

• What is the prevalence (commonness) of hearing loss in children?

• What is degree of hearing loss?

• What is the type and severity of hearing loss in infants throughout the United States?

• Where can I find information on how many individuals with a hearing loss live in my area?

• What are common symptoms of deaf or hard of hearing infants?

• What are some medical conditions that are linked to the risk of hearing loss in infants and young children?

• Can an infant have both syndromic and non-syndromic hearing loss?

General Information on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS)

• What is Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS)? 

• Where can I find information or resource guides for UNHS programs?

• How many UNHS programs exist? 

• What is the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH)?

• How many states have legislated UNHS programs?

Information About State EHDI Programs

• What is the DSHPSHWA?

• How many states have mandated newborn hearing screening as well as those screening without a mandate?

• What is the process for updating the state information in the CDC EHDI State Profile?

• What is the process for updating state information on the CDC EHDI website?

Educational Materials

• Where can I find information, studies, etc. on the effects of loud noise and hearing loss?

• Where can I get a copy of a fact sheet or brochure regarding studies in early hearing detection and intervention?

• How can I obtain copies of the Early Hearing Detection Intervention Guidance Manual?

Sorry, we can't give you medical advice. Please talk with your doctor for questions about yourself or your family. For other information, please contact ehdi@cdc.gov

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Date: November 01, 2007
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities