Auditory Skill Development Among Infants

Auditory skill development requires consistent use and effective monitoring of personal listening devices. The primary aim of early intervention in children with hearing impairment is to restore or promote the child’s communication skills and to optimize the level of language development which impacts the cognitive and socioemotional behavior. Hearing screening programs for babies allow for the early diagnosis of hearing impairment. Early detection and intervention with hearing enhancement at six months of age produces the best results. Significant hearing impairment, if undiagnosed and untreated, can have a detrimental impact on speech development and lead to psychological and mental behavioral disorders. Infants who fail in hearing screening at hospital are referred for a repeat testing between two and eight weeks after discharge (second stage) and are examined by means of Oto acoustic emissions (OAE) followed by Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR). Positive second stage results should be validated by otologic and audiological consultation. Comprehensive electrophysiological assessment includes diagnostic ABR testing and Auditory steady state response (ASSR) which are performed by audiologist. Newborn screening and diagnosis help ensure all babies who are deaf or hard of hearing are identified as soon as possible. Then, they can receive early intervention that can make a big difference in their communication and language development.