Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Hearing Loss Positive Screening Follow-Up
Summary Indicator Report Data View Options
Why Is This Important?
In the United States, approximately 1 to 3 of every 1,000 newborns are affected by significant hearing loss. Without newborn hearing loss screening, the average age of hearing loss detection is about 2 1/2 years of age which can affect the speech development and language acquisition of the child. Treatment for significant hearing loss is recommended prior to 6 months of age to avoid irreversible and permanent speech, language, and cognitive impairments.
Definition
Percentage of infants receiving audiologic follow-up after a positive screening for hearing loss by 3 months of age. Audiologic follow-up includes pass results on outpatient re-screening exams.
Data Source
Early Identification and Monitoring Program, Division of Family Health Services, New Jersey Department of Health(https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/eis/)
How the Measure is Calculated
| Numerator: | Number of infants receiving audiologic follow-up after a positive screening for hearing loss by 3 months of age. |
| Denominator: | Total number of infants who had a positive screening for hearing loss. |
How Are We Doing?
In 2021, two-thirds of infants received an audiologic follow-up after a positive screening for hearing loss by 3 months of age. This is more than double the proportion followed-up in 2002 when universal newborn hearing screening was mandated in New Jersey. In many regions the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the delivery of health care services in 2020, including newborn hearing screening and follow-up services. As a result, infants born in late 2019 and needing follow-up services in 2020 may have had difficulties obtaining these services. Racial/ethnic disparities have decreased over time. In 2002, the lowest rate (that of Hispanics) was 46% below the highest rate (Asians). In 2021, the lowest rate (Blacks) was 26% below the highest rate (Whites).
What Is Being Done?
The [https://nj.gov/health/fhs/nbs/ehdi/ New Jersey Early Hearing Detection and Intervention] (EHDI) program works to ensure that all New Jersey children receive timely and appropriate screening, diagnosis, and intervention for hearing loss.
Available Services
The NJDOH [https://nj.gov/health/fhs/nbs/ehdi/ Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program]'s website offers information including * answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) * a speech and hearing checklist * a search tool to find hearing health care providers * a glossary of terms * educational brochures in several languages * links to other websites with information for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children
More Resources
Hearing Loss in Children: [https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss-children/]
Health Program Information
NJDOH Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program: [https://nj.gov/health/fhs/nbs/ehdi/]