Workshop description

Universal newborn hearing screening has dramatically improved early identification of hearing differences of children with congenital hearing loss, yet some children are not identified until months or years after birth. What happens when hearing loss develops later, progresses over time, or is not recognized until developmental or educational concerns emerge? What are the statistics and long-term implications? This session will explore the key findings that our country's leading researchers discovered and published in A Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Late-Identified Hearing Loss in Childhood. We will examine what their research means for educators, early intervention providers, audiologists, and families. Participants will consider why age of onset matters, how late identification can affect language and developmental outcomes, and the ways trauma and uncertainty can influence a family's journey and decision-making. Minnesota-specific initiatives and resources will be highlighted, including efforts to strengthen hearing surveillance, support families, and improve collaboration among professionals and others. Participants will leave with practical strategies to support children with late-identified hearing loss and their families through a family-centered, trauma-informed lens.

Presented by Jess Moen and Valerie James Abbott.