WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR BABY HAS SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS?
In Ohio, all babies are screened for hearing loss when they are born, and a baby who has a confirmed diagnosis of hearing loss is automatically eligible for Early Intervention.
Early Intervention works with families with children birth to age 3 who have hearing loss so they have the best possible start in life. Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills.
Early Intervention professionals, including specialized hearing service providers, support your family to identify strengths and needs and address concerns as early as possible, with services where you live, play, and spend your day.
HOW EARLY INTERVENTION CAN HELP
Early Intervention can support families with children with hearing loss by:
- Helping you and your child learn to communicate;
- Helping your family provide the best learning environment for the baby that fits in with your family’s daily routines and activities;
- Identifying resources and options to help address your child’s hearing needs, such as a hearing aid or assistive technology to support development;
- Supporting your family through the challenges many babies born with hearing loss have with feeding, learning, sleeping, and playing with others;
- Building your skills to support your child’s physical development and social/emotional interactions;
- Helping you find pre-K or other services and be an advocate when your child transitions out of Early Intervention; and
- Connecting with other parents with children experiencing hearing loss.