Infant hearing loss occurs at an incidence of 1.4 per 1,000 births, and children born with hearing loss are at a significant risk of language development delays.

All infants should have hearing screening after birth no later than 1 month of age, infants with abnormal screening results should have definitive diagnostic hearing testing no later than 3 months of age, and infants who are found to have hearing loss should receive early intervention services no later than 6 months of age.

Otolaryngologists and audiologists who are involved in diagnosis and intervention for pediatric hearing loss should be proactive to ensure that children in their care, as well as those in their community, meet these guidelines, and to lead in early intervention, including cochlear implantation for appropriate candidates.