Providing the Gift of Sound
Imagine being told your beautiful new baby has already ‘failed’ something before even leaving the hospital – the newborn hearing screening. Families struggle with the emotional impact of learning their child has hearing loss and the potential life-long implications. Finding a reliable source of information, treatment and guidance can be confusing and overwhelming. The Children's Hearing Program (CHP) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is a unique resource for the more than 12,000 babies born with hearing loss each year in the United States. The family-centered program, part of the University of Miami Ear Institute, offers comprehensive services for children from birth to 18 years of age. Early Detection and Intervention
One of the primary goals of the CHP is early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI). Because the critical period for language learning is from birth to age 3, early diagnosis of hearing loss is crucial. Without appropriate opportunities to learn language, children with hearing loss fall behind their hearing peers in language, cognition and social-emotional development. At the CHP, a multidisciplinary team, including otologists (ear surgeons), audiologists, speech language pathologists, educators and other healthcare professionals, work together to address the distinct needs of children. They provide services ranging from hearing evaluations, speech therapy, education, research, family support and community outreach.
