Understanding the importance of pediatric hearing screenings

Early identification and intervention for hearing impairment in newborns and children can be crucial for development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hearing loss is one of the most common birth defects in the United States, affecting approximately 1 to 3 per 1,000 children.¹

Early hearing screenings can help detect hearing impairment, which can help identify early interventions to significantly improve speech, language and social development, and the good news is — newborn hearing screenings are considered preventive care and are often fully covered by most commercial health plans, without cost sharing (copay, coinsurance, or deductibles).²

Hearing loss in children can stem from various causes, including genetics, illness or environmental factors.³

Plus, the signs and symptoms of hearing loss can be different for each child. Some signs of hearing loss may include things like:³ 

• Lack of startle response to loud noises
• Not turning towards sounds
• Delayed babbling
• Not responding to their name by 6 months of age

Parents can play a vital role in monitoring their child’s hearing and development, but it may not be easy to detect. That’s why getting your child screened for hearing loss can be beneficial.

The CDC recommends the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) 1-3-6 benchmarks:⁴

• 1 month: All infants should have a hearing screening before 1 month of age (this often takes place at the birth hospital before discharge)
• 3 months: If a baby does not pass the hearing screening, a full hearing test should be completed by 3 months of age
• 6 months: If hearing loss is confirmed, early intervention services should begin by 6 months of age

For older children, regular screenings at annual checkups should also be completed⁵ at ages 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 years. During adolescence, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends hearing screenings at least three times from ages 11 to 14, 15 to 17 and 18 to 21 years.

“Pediatric hearing screenings are a critical first step in identifying early hearing problems — often before a parent or caregiver notices any signs,” said Dr. Nicolas Stettler-Davis, a pediatrician and national medical director for UnitedHealthcare. “Early detection allows us to intervene during one of the most crucial periods of a child’s language development, giving them the best possible foundation for learning and communication.”

Not only are pediatric screenings helpful in detecting hearing loss early on, but they also help to ensure children have the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.