The purpose of this screening program is to identify infants from the general population which are at higher risk of having a particular condition so that a more in-depth diagnostic assessment can be done.

Between four-six newborns per 1,000 have some degree of sensory hearing loss.

• If your baby is born with hearing loss, it is important that you know about it as soon as possible.

• A Newborn Hearing Screen test is now required by law in the State of West Virginia.

• Your child’s most important learning will take place between birth and three years of age.

• In the first three years of life, the child learns how to talk, first to understand what other people say, and then to talk himself.

• To develop language, your baby must have good hearing.

• Hearing loss can be hereditary or caused by conditions that develop while the mother is pregnant or after the baby is born.

• Some losses can be corrected with medicine or surgery. Other losses are permanent.

• The child with a permanent loss will need special help, like hearing aids and speech and language therapy. Those children who have hearing problems but do not get special help may have problems learning to talk.