Audiologic screening of newborn infants who are at risk for hearing impairment.

The importance of early identification of hearing impairment is well documented. The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing 1982 Position Statement established the goal of identification and habilitation of hearing-impaired infants by age 6 months but did not specify the procedure for initial audiologic screening. In these guidelines, ASHA specifies the recommended procedure for audiologic screening of infants at risk for hearing impairment that includes a) parent/caregiver education; b) audiologic screening by ABR; and c) referral to a comprehensive evaluation, follow-up, and management system for those infants who fail initial ABR screening. The procedures recommended in these guidelines are complex and require substantial involvement of a qualified audiologist. Identification programs should be instituted only when all components are available to provide appropriate services to the infant and his/her family. It is hoped that these guidelines will encourage implementation of programs for early identification of hearing impairment in at-risk infants.