Identifying infant hearing loss - never too early, but often too late

Abstract

Intervention for infants with hearing loss aims to provide access to auditory input through amplification devices as soon as possible. These may include hearing aids fitted to match the unique hearing loss of the child, or in cases of severe to profound hearing loss a cochlear implant that electrically stimulates the auditory nerve in response to sound. This process must be accompanied by and followed up with family-centred communication intervention by trained interventionists (e.g. speech therapists or early interventionists) who assist parents to facilitate auditory skills and language development for their child.