Hearing loss is the most common birth defect, occurring at a rate of three in every 1,000 children. Early identification of a hearing loss and appropriate intervention enhances a child's potential for speech and language development. The first months of life are a critical period for developing speech and language skills.
Oregon law mandates newborn hearing screening for infants born in hospitals with more than 200 births per year. This law establishes a hearing screening registry, tracking, and recall system that enables the Oregon Health Authority, in collaboration with hospitals, audiologists, local public health, and early intervention facilities, to ensure that infants with hearing loss receive appropriate and timely intervention.
- Hearing screening by 1 month of age.
- Diagnostic audiology by 3 months of age.
- Enrollment in Early Intervention by 6 months of age.
National data indicate that half of children who need further assessment and intervention are lost to follow-up in states without a tracking and follow-up system. Funding for the registry and tracking system comes from two federal grants. The tracking and recall system help ensure that the National Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program goals are met in Oregon.
