Importance of newborn hearing : the need for an ealry identification and intervention program in India

Abstract

Over the years, considerable research has been done showing the advantages of early identification of hearing loss and its impact on children in developing speech and language skills. Although the universal early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) program is fully functional in developed countries it has not been actualized in developing global regions like Asia, Africa and Latin America. The primary reason could be precise government policies and the necessary funds to support them. There is also a lack of awareness and initiative form the parent's side. The purpose of this paper is to describe and support the need for a universal early detection of hearing loss and intervention program in India. Objectives for developing a universal early identification and intervention program and the recommendations for actualizing them have been included.