Hearing loss is the most common birth defect, occurring at a rate of 1-3 of every 1000 births. The goal of the Louisiana Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (LA EHDI) is to ensure that all newborns are screened for hearing loss so that those with a diagnosis of permanent hearing loss can achieve their maximum potential. LA EHDI promotes the national EHDI goals of screening for hearing loss by 1 month of age, preferably before hospital discharge; completing diagnostic evaluations for all infants who screen positive by 3 months of age; and for all infants identified with hearing loss, receiving appropriate early intervention services by 6 months of age. The findings of this study are expected to help LA EHDI define characteristics of newborns who receive late initial hearing screening tests to be performed in the hospital. The program may consider if those characteristics are potentially related to hearing loss so that appropriate plans to prevent risk factors of hearing loss are developed appropriately.
Objective
The objective of the study was to compare the average length of time for hearing screening to be conducted prior to hospital discharge with newborns' characteristics among birth cohort of 2011 in Louisiana.