Why is Early Detection for Hearing Loss in Children Important?

Written by Amanda Brady

It is estimated that about 15% of children in the United States have a hearing deficit.  Some of these cases may be mild or located only in one ear, but can still cause developmental, educational and speech delays.

Florida state mandates that infants have their hearing tested at birth, before leaving the hospital.  Infants who test outside of the normal range are referred immediately for additional services.  Children who have this hearing deficit detected and receive successful intervention are much more likely to meet key developmental milestones and tend to perform on par with their peers.  

Children can also develop a hearing disorder as they grow older- it is at this stage that we aim to provide free hearing tests to as many children as possible.  Studies show that children with hearing loss miss out on important parts of speech and this loss can cause marked speech and language development delays.  Here is Dr. Carolyn Brennan for a brief discussion of hearing loss in children.

One of the Ear Research Foundation’s mission is to provide free Community Care to the un- or underinsured. This is possible through the doctors who donate their time and the generous donations made by our community and partners.  The Foundation's dedicated staff and volunteers, in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of the Sarasota County, offer free hearing screenings to children at low income preschools and daycares.  If a child needs care after the screenings and their families cannot afford to schedule with a specialist, Dr. Nayak, an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist provides free care through our Community Clinic.