Screening for hearing loss in infants

Hearing loss is one of the most common major abnormalities present at birth and, if undetected, will negatively impact cognitive development, communic ation competency, literacy, academic achievement, and optimal child develop ment. Therefore, screening for hearing loss has become an important aspect of neonatal care. To justify universal screening, at least six criteria mus t be met. This paper discusses the six criteria and concludes that universa l detection of infant hearing loss is justifiable and requires universal sc reening of all infants.