Definition

Percentage of infants receiving audiologic follow-up after a positive screening for hearing loss by 3 months of age.

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.

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.

Healthy People Objective: Receipt of audiologic evaluation no later than age 3 months for infants who did not pass the hearing screening

U.S. Target: 72.6 percent
State Target: 80.0 percent

Other Objectives

'''Healthy New Jersey Objective MCH-13''': Increase the percentage of infants receiving audiologic follow-up after a positive screen for hearing loss by 3 months of age to 80%.

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

Health Program Information

NJDOH Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program: [https://nj.gov/health/fhs/nbs/ehdi/]

Data Notes

This is Healthy New Jersey 2020 (HNJ2020) Objective MCH-13. Audiologic follow-up includes pass results on outpatient re-screening exams.

Data Source

Early Identification and Monitoring Program, [https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/sch/ Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services], Division of Family Health Services, New Jersey Department of Health

Data Notes

This is Healthy New Jersey 2020 (HNJ2020) Objective MCH-13. Audiologic follow-up includes pass results on outpatient re-screening exams.   Data for Whites, Blacks, and Asians/Pacific Islanders do not include Hispanics. Hispanic ethnicity includes all races.

Data Source

Early Identification and Monitoring Program, [https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/sch/ Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services], Division of Family Health Services, New Jersey Department of Health

References and Community Resources

Hearing Loss in Children: [http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/index.html]